Guest Post by Author Cassie Downs
However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived,” — the things God has prepared for those who love him.
— 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)
On July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 launched into the atmosphere from Cape Kennedy, bound for the moon. The spacecraft carried three men: Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins, and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin.
An estimated 650 million people watched on July 20, 1969, the televised images and heard the voice of Neil Armstrong declare, as his foot landed on the moon, “… one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”.
When I read this story, I can’t help thinking how uncomfortable life must have been for these men between takeoff on July 16 and their return to earth on July 24, 1969. The cramped spaces, the lack of gravity, the food, the lack of privacy they likely endured. I’m sure leaving the security and comfort of family, friends, and the earth itself created both anxiety and mixed emotions for some.
Often, in our daily walk with Jesus, we are confronted with opportunities. Opportunities that require us to move from security and the things we know and keep us comfortable.
Pastor Craig Groeschel says, “To step toward your destiny, you may have to step away from your security.”
This is true of all areas of life. Most good things come with sacrifice, they happen when we are willing to get a little uncomfortable.
Several years ago, opportunity confronted my family. God had an incredible blessing waiting for us exactly 229 miles away from everything we had ever known. 229 miles from our family, our church home, our friends, everything we held dear, and everything that made us feel secure. Craig Groeschel’s quote rings loud and true for my family.
Perhaps you can relate. Maybe it’s a new business that will cost your finances. A new relationship that requires walls to fall. You cannot carry the old relationship any further, and it’s time to get uncomfortable and vulnerable. Or possibly a ministry that will cost you time you aren’t even sure you have.
For my family, it was a job – a job we’d prayed for. But we had to step away from our security to step toward the destiny God had for us. And for Apollo 11, if you were to ask them, I believe they would agree with Pastor Craig. A trip to the moon took them away from their security but right into their destiny.
God wants to do the same for you if you will allow Him. There is a destiny, an eternity, waiting for you. Salvation to be had, opportunities to grab hold of, fullness of life to be lived. Are you willing to step away from your security and into your destiny?
Following Jesus, starting a business, building a ministry, and creating a family may not always be easy. You may face opposition and it may get uncomfortable. But walking with Jesus, building a business, a ministry, or a relationship on the rock of Jesus will always be worth it.
Excerpt from Unrivaled, a 60-day devotional.
Cassie Downs is a lover of Jesus and her family. She is the author of two books, Chasing Jesus and Unrivaled, both 60-day devotionals. Cassie is also the founder of Everyday Jesus Ministry, a homeschool mom, and a furniture flipper. She resides in Stockton, Mo, with her high school sweetheart and husband, Dustin, and their three teenagers.
Link to my social
Instagram @downs.partyof5
Just an interesting personal note:
My father was involved with the Moon Shot & Apollo Shuttles in those days. We traveled a lot as a family.
Then, on another subject, my husband is in a Bible Study with the men of our church that is being led by Craig Groeschel.
It is a small world . . .
Indeed!