Recently, an asteroid soared over your head while you snoozed, turning even the stiffest necks at NASA. This space rock was taller than the Empire State Building, over 3,400 feet wide, and traveled at a speed of 45,000 miles per hour.
How in the world did you survive?
Technically it was “near earth,” but it really wasn’t that close. Unless, of course, you consider 1,000,000 miles away “just around the corner.” If you do, remind me to never go on a road trip with you.
So why were we privy to this “close call?” Because of a United States Congressional Mandate that requires NASA to report 90% of flying NEO’s (Near Earth Objects) within 120,000,000 miles from earth. Therefore, the “granite guest” made the cut.
Luckily, humanity escaped utter destruction by a “slim” margin of a million miles. Various astronomers and NASA scientists predict this same asteroid won’t be “close by” again for another 200 years. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you’ll probably be long gone before the rock circles back to wave, unless, of course, you exercise forty-five minutes a day, drink only water, and eat zero flour, sugar, carbs, or enjoy life. Then you might have a chance.
Nevertheless, the asteroid’s visit reminded me of a paramount spiritual truth. The Creator of this vast universe cares enough to come close to His venerable creation. God lives in and works through us.
Paul reminded the church at Rome, “…if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you” (Romans 8: 11, NIV). Paul boldly promised at the end of the same powerful chapter, “…neither height not depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8: 39, NIV).
We can’t separate Someone who is eternally connected to us.
You may feel light-years from God, but He’s milliseconds away…especially when you need Him the most.
The Psalmist reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34: 18, NIV) Even when hope seems distant, God is close for your comfort. |
