This is a true story, and on display at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. In July 1982, Larry Walters made a forty-five-minute flight in a homemade aerostat made of from a lawn chair and forty-two helium filled weather balloons. His makeshift aircraft rose to 16,000 feet and entered controlled airspace near Long Beach Airport for which he was fined for violations under U.S. Federal Aviation Regulations. He descended from his altitude by shooting out some balloons with a pellet gun. During descent, his aircraft became entangled in power lines, but he was able to climb down safely. Just after landing, he told reporters, “It was something I had to do. I had this dream for twenty years, and if I hadn’t done it, I think I would have ended up in the funny farm.”

How many Christians today feel just like Lawn Chair Larry? At the moment of salvation their desire to serve God is real, but twenty years later the truth of Jesus’ teaching has become a reality in their lives, “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). Many Christians today never step out in their spirit by the same faith that saved them but have grown content in their flesh to allow life to pass them by. Yes, they are in church and even read their Bibles regularly, but they never take a step of faith like Larry Chair Larry did.

Believer, if you want to experience the fullness of Christ in your life, you must take a step of faith by dashing out of your comfort zone and doing something for Him today. Only eternity will reveal the impact you will have for Christ in this lifetime. C.T. Studd said it well in one of his poems, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Only One Life

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its days I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say ’twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.