Breakthrough is not for the timid
| 02 February 2010
By Ed Krampitz
Chuck Yeager is one of my heroes.
Growing up, I had a fascination with military aviation.
The almost limitless power and breathtaking beauty of modern war planes occupied a good portion of my imagination. I dreamed of joining the ranks of those who daily pressed the boundaries of aerodynamics and human endurance.
Many pressed in. One broke through.
Recognized as an exceptional aerial combat pilot, flight instructor and test pilot, Chuck Yeager had already exceeded the expectations of many. Coming from the backwoods of West Virginia, with only a high school education, Yeager was living proof that one's background does not dictate one's destiny.
Chuck Yeager was hand-picked to fly the Bell X-1, an experimental aircraft that some believed would shatter as it attempted the seemingly impossible task it was designed for: breaking the sound barrier.
On October 14th, 1947, dropped from the belly of a bomber, Yeager ignited the X-1's rockets and catapulted himself into the unknown. As sound waves bombarded the nose and leading edge of his craft, Yeager accelerated. The X-1 shook violently as velocity increased. Lesser men would have throttled back; given up. Not Yeager. He would finish this, or die trying. Suddenly, the shock waves that rocked the plane ceased. The air was smooth. Chuck glanced at his Mach indicator. Mach 1! He had exceeded the speed of sound!
Today, because of the historic, heroic efforts of this one man, the sound barrier is broken by supersonic aircraft all over the globe, every day. It is no longer considered impenetrable. On the contrary, it is expected.
Many, within the Body of Christ, regard the issues of life in much the same way the sound barrier was perceived in Yeager's day: impossible to break through. Sin, death and the power of the devil seem to be unconquerable foes; a wall with no breach. Yet, breaking through darkness is not only possible, it is expected.
Jesus came, not only to satisfy the consequences of sin, but to set a precedent. His life...his historic, heroic life, demonstrated a standard for humanity to emulate. As a man, in intimate fellowship with his Papa, Jesus broke through every barrier that stood in his way. There was no sin, no sickness, no disease, no demon that could resist him. He made it clear. His mission was, “...to destroy the work of the devil.” That mission became our assignment. In connection with the Great Commission, he declared, “These signs will follow those who believe...” (Mk 16v15-18). His unprecedented example provided an opportunity for a new way of life; a victorious life; a life of breakthrough. His intention was for you and I to confront the issues of life; bringing supernatural resources; kingdom answers. It's a high calling.
But, it's not for the timid. Some will say it cannot be done. Others will try, only to give up. It requires courage. It takes persistence. The greatest assignments carry the greatest risk...and the highest reward.