Considering "the work of His fingers"

U.S. Army astronaut Col. Jeffrey Williams

7 May 2006 - Jeff Williams web site log

Having been prompted by some of your questions, this week I would like to devote the log to a topic a little less technical and a little more personal-that is, on the topic of God and how He is manifest from this unique vantage point.

I often get asked questions that go something like this… "Do you feel closer to God up there?" Or another, "Has the experience changed your faith or belief in God?" It may come to a surprise to some of you that I usually answer the question in the negative-with a caveat.

Most of you know that both Anna-Marie and I have a strong Christian faith that had its beginning a little over 18 years ago and we labor to live out our lives accordingly. Over the years of studying the Bible, I have grown in awe of and complete trust in it as the source of the truth of reality, of wisdom and of all things necessary for life.

I have also come to realize that we can only know of God by viewing creation from any vantage point and it is only through the revelation of the Scriptures that we can actually become "close to God"-that is, in relationship to Him through faith in Jesus Christ-and actually know Him.

Therefore, I answer the questions in the negative, understanding that my (or anybody's) faith in Jesus Christ or "knowing" God is not by way of looking at the Earth from orbit. But the caveat is, already having that faith (given through the objective means of His written Word), its content and the response to it is intensified by the experience of being here as one views "the work of His fingers" (Psalm 8) in a unique way. The faith is intensified in ways that I will attempt to explain in brief.

The first and most obvious way is reflecting on God as the Creator. The wonder and awe of viewing all of the elements of Earth from orbit are overpowering. Some of you have heard me speak of the beauty of the "blue planet," from the vastness of the oceans and varied landforms, the magnificent cloud formations and water currents, the wonder of lightning storms stretching over a thousand miles, to the dazzling light display of the aurora over the poles.

Also mentioned have been the relative thinness of the atmosphere that provides for life, the day-night cycles and the beauty of the atmosphere during sunrises or sunsets. Viewing all of that intensifies the meaning of passages such as Job 26:7,10, "He stretches out the north over empty space and hangs the earth on nothing…He has inscribed a circle on the surface of the waters at the boundary of light and darkness."

Psalm 8 speaks of the humility that comes from the view and especially verse 3 and following, "When I consider Your heavens and the work of Your fingers…" And Psalm 19 is among my favorites because it speaks of how creation reveals His existence and how He is revealed in His Word.

My faith is also intensified by this experience as I consider His providence and associated governing of His creation and the caring of His creatures. Providence is a term not used much in modern times but I love the richness and the history of its meaning. The reality of God's providence transcends this entire experience.

Psalm 139 in its entirety is an example that speaks to Providence and the manifestation of His ever-present care. Verses 9-10 now have special meaning… "If I take the wings of the dawn…even there Your hand will lead me." Another favorite is Colossians 1:13-20 where in verses 16-17, Christ is acknowledged as the Creator and also the one who sustains-that is upholds and governs-His creation.

All of this intensifies the trust, confidence, and sense of contentment, which comes in living out our faith. It also invokes an intense humility. It causes one to slow a bit and contemplate life issues in a new way.

Additionally, it magnifies the sense of responsibility and stewardship that comes with the privilege of getting such an experience and the obligation to share the experience and bring it back to those on Earth. Though it can be considered a duty and obligation, my biggest reward comes by giving you the experience in some special way.

Before wrapping up this log, I will mention one more thing, regarding you. I am continually amazed by God's grace in the daily provision that comes to both Anna-Marie and me to sustain us as we go through this rewarding-yet most difficult and challenging-chapter of our lives.

As mentioned earlier, that provision comes by His providence. Whether you realize it or not, many of you have been and continue to be instruments of His providence in that provision. Some of you have impacted us in ways you may never know. Your participation in this adventure, your encouragement, enthusiasm, and prayers are a significant part of that daily provision. And, for that, I am very grateful.