Dying to Live

Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, died recently at the age of 82.
Not many know that Neil Armstrong and his fellow crew members did not expect to return alive from their mission. Such a large number of untested procedures had to go exactly right that the margin of error was exceedingly low. For example, if the rockets didn’t fire just right on their lunar module, the men would have been stranded on the moon forever.
Armstrong was asked why he went on the mission, given his assumption that he would die. He replied that he considered it an honor to sacrifice his life for his country.
Because Neil Armstrong was willing to lose his life, he had an amazing experience no other human had ever experienced. He also helped the United States to make huge scientific advances.
Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matt. 16:24)
If we are unwilling to take a risk of obedience to Jesus, we will not see his power displayed. If we are unwilling to let our desires come second to His, we will not see His will be done through us.
But when we are ready to say “yes” to what ever He calls us to, then we will find a new life and power.
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. (Matthew 16:25)