At The Movies Season 2
When Your Plans Blow Up | Week 3
June 7, 2026 | By Ben Foote
We all have a picture in our minds of how life is supposed to look. And then—without warning—the dashboard goes nuclear.
In this week's At The Movies message, we use the true story of Apollo 13 to explore what happens when your plans blow up. Because plans fall apart. In fact, Jesus promised they would. But He also promised something else — that He has already overcome the world.
Whether you're in a season where everything feels off course, questioning why God's plan looks nothing like yours, or just wondering if the wreckage can ever be turned into something good — this message is for you.
In this message you'll discover:
- Why God's purpose prevails even when your plans fall apart
- How to use what's already on board — prayer, Scripture, community, and the Holy Spirit
- Why following clear instruction matters more than finding new resources
- How God turns your "successful failure" into your finest hour
Ben Foote
June 7th, 2026
// Bible References: Proverbs 19:21, John 16:33, 2 Peter 1:3, Philippians 4:6-7, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 10:24-25, John 16:13, Matthew 6:33, Hebrews 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
// Community Question: If mission control could only say one sentence to keep you calm under pressure, what would you need to hear?
// Discussion Questions
- The sermon mentions that we all have plans for careers, relationships, and health, but Proverbs 19:21 says 'Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.' What's the difference between having plans and trusting in God's purpose?
- When the Apollo 13 crew faced their crisis, they had everything they needed on their ship but required clear instructions from mission control to use those materials. How does this relate to what 2 Peter 1:3 teaches about having 'everything we need for a godly life'?
- The Apollo 13 crew had to 'fix their eyes on Earth' during their dangerous 39-second burn to survive. How does this connect to Jesus' teaching about fixing our eyes on Him during life's difficulties?
- NASA called Apollo 13 a 'successful failure' because they failed to reach the moon but succeeded in bringing the crew home safely. How might God use our failures or disappointments as 'successful failures'?
- In 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, Paul asked God to remove his 'thorn' but God said, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Why might God choose not to remove our difficulties but instead work through them?
// Challenge: This week, identify one area of your life where things haven't gone according to plan. Instead of focusing on what you wish were different, spend time each day surrendering that situation to Jesus and asking, "What are You inviting me to trust You with here?"