Stranded No More

Today is a day of celebration as two astronauts finally return home after spending an unexpected nine months in space. What was supposed to be a short mission turned into an extended stay due to technical issues, forcing them to remain aboard the International Space Station far longer than planned. I can only imagine the overwhelming joy and relief their families must be feeling as they finally reunite.

This got me thinking about our own journey and how we, too, were once stuck—separated from God by sin, unable to find our way home. Just as these astronauts relied on their team back on Earth to bring them back safely, we rely on Jesus for our rescue. God, in His great love, didn’t leave us stranded. He sent His Son to bridge the gap, to bring us back into relationship with Him.

There must have been days in space that felt endless for these astronauts. Days of waiting, trusting, and hoping that their return would happen. Isn’t that how life feels sometimes? We go through seasons where we wonder if we’ll ever make it through. Yet, just like their story had a rescue plan, so does ours. Jesus made a way when there was no way, securing our homecoming with the Father.

It reminds me of Colossians 1:13-14, which says:

"For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

So today, as we celebrate the return of these astronauts, let’s also take a moment to reflect on the ultimate rescue mission—Christ coming to bring us home. No matter how long we’ve felt stuck, no matter how impossible the situation seems, our redemption is secure. The joy of coming home is real, and it’s waiting for us in the arms of our Savior.

Welcome home, Butch and Suni. And thanks for the reminder that no one stays lost forever when there’s a plan for rescue.