Rocket Boosters

“But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven!” (Philippians 3:20 MSG) 

When launching a spacecraft or satellite into outer space, rocket boosters provide the thrust needed for the vehicle to escape the gravitational pull of the Earth. As the rocket fuel burns, the spacecraft is propelled outside the Earth’s atmosphere. The rocket boosters are attached to the spacecraft until they fulfill their purpose, and then they fall off.  

We are citizens of high heaven, yet the gravitational pull of the earthly life is difficult to escape. There are few experiences that propel us out into the rarified air outside of our worldly perspective. Suffering is one such rocket booster. It burns through illusions of control, thrusting us beyond worldliness, until we can rest in the presence of God. Unfortunately, we do not stay in this space forever. Eventually, we drift back and get bogged down in earthly concerns. We remember the peace of trusting completely in God, but we are rarely eager to get back there through suffering. Yet, transformation is often attached to burning pain. The same Almighty Power that brings all things under control makes us whole. 

“He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.” (Philippians 3:21 MSG)