NASA astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore shares how his faith in Jesus Christ sustained him during 286 days in space on a mission that was only supposed to last eight days.
There are times when things don’t go as we expect. We may have plans, but God often leads us through a different path. During those moments, faith helps us stay steady.
This story shows how important it is to stay close to God, especially when life shifts without warning.
Faith Became the Foundation
Wilmore launched into space for a short assignment aboard the International Space Station. But technical problems changed that plan.
Wilmore remained in orbit for over nine months. During that time, he stayed grounded in his faith.
“My feeling on all of this goes back to my faith,” Wilmore said. “It’s bound in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Wilmore Shares Why His Faith Matters
When interviewed by CBN, the reporter asked, “You often spoke of your faith and God’s sovereignty while in space. Why is that important to you?”
Wilmore answered directly, “He is Lord. He is Almighty God. And He is the one that came and paid the price for my sin, and that is the answer.”
Attending Church from Space
Wilmore is a longtime elder at Providence Baptist Church in Pasadena, Texas. While in space, he stayed connected to his home church.
He watched Sunday services, called church members to check on them, and led devotionals from orbit. His church family said his faith is not just something he talks about—it is how he lives.
“Having the word of God to read, to pray like that—the Lord’s the one that sustained him through it all,” Pastor Corey Johnson shared.
Singing ‘Amazing Grace’ with the Crew
Wilmore and his fellow astronauts once joined their congregation on Earth in singing ‘Amazing Grace.’ Pastor Tommy Dahn said, “We sang together with all the astronauts on the space station, and Barry shared the devotion with the whole congregation.”
Wilmore explained that sharing the gospel is what drives him. “The chance to share the gospel and proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord is the driver,” he said.
“And it’s not just me—this is all believers. That’s what’s within us. The Holy Spirit indwells you, and He calls us to share it. We’re all called to share it in different ways, at different levels.”
Adjusting to Life Back on Earth
Wilmore is now taking part in 45 days of rehab to adjust to life on Earth. “What I used to do in eight hours, I get about an hour and a half in, and I’m spent,” he said.
He explained that astronauts return with fewer red blood cells and become anemic. The body takes time to rebuild them.
Trusting God’s Plan Over His Own
Wilmore doesn’t know what NASA plans next for him. But he is content. “The Lord’s plan. His purpose. I’m okay with it,” he said. “Is it my plan? No. But my plans are not usually the good plans or the right plans. And the Lord’s always are.”
He ended by saying, “Regardless of what takes place, God’s word is clear, and I believe it because I’ve lived it—God is always good.”
Wilmore’s story helps us see that faith is not just for calm seasons. It is for delays, for hard days, and for the unknown. Whether we are at home, at work, or far from both, we can hold on to God’s word and trust Him to carry us through.
Let us stay strong in faith, read His word, and encourage each other. We may not face space travel, but we all face trials that test our trust.
May we remember, God is always good.
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