I Do Believe There’s Life Out There!

“NASA confirms 5,000 planets and counting.” It seems rather fortuitous that at this time when there are so many disasters being wreaked on Earth that our eyes are being drawn away to the wonders of deep space, other worlds— pristine, complex labyrinth of galaxies, and cosmic superlatives. 

According to NASA, their powerful telescopes are showing planets everywhere. What we are seeing though are “only a fraction of what lies in our galaxy”! They think the number of planets could be in the billions. Some are smaller than Earth and some several times larger! Some seemingly inhabitable and others too hot or too noxious for human habitation. All having galaxies hundreds of lights-years in width with trillions of stars! Mind blowing isn’t it!! 

2 Planets Orbit a Sun-like Star

But is it fortuitous— chance, mere coincidence, or accident? God, in times of difficulty has called men away from despair and caused them to look up to Him. He comforted Jacob, “I am with you! I will protect you wherever you go. . .” Genesis 28:15. 

He reminded Jeremiah, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me? Jeremiah 32:27.

He assured Elijah, “There are thousands who have not bowed the knee to Baal . . . .” and He challengedJob, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” Job 38: 4. 

To us during this deluge of storms, floods, droughts, famine, fires, pandemics, and wars; what does He say? It seems to me He is saying, “Look up! I am God, I am still here. This is what I have been able to do and am able to continue to do for you. These majestic worlds that you are now discovering are what I have created and sustained. If I can do this what more can I do for you?” 

These new discoveries call us to hope rather than despair, to energetic engagement rather than despondent lethargy, to optimistic excitement rather than dull pessimism, and above all to joyous worship and energetic preparation for what is about to break on this Earth. 

What is about to break? Well, if we are to believe Jesus words, “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Luke 21: 8. 

I must believe that the return of the Creator of the Universe is near. I must faithfully heed His command, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” Matthew 25:13. 

I’m no scientist but I do believe there’s life out there!