An Astronomer's Model

I read a story not long ago about a man named Johannes Kepler, who was a German astronomer living in the 16th century. Kepler had a friend who did not believe in God, his friend believed that the universe came into existence by itself. So, Kepler made a model of the sun with the planets revolving around it to prove his point. His friend thought the model was just beautiful, and wanted to know if Kepler had made it or if not, then who did? Kepler answered, "No one made it, it made itself." His friend replied, "Nonsense. Tell me who made it." Kepler then said, "Friend, you say this model could not make itself. It is but a weak imitation of this great universe, which you believe did make itself.
May I say, no rational person would have believed that Kepler's model could have made itself. Yet today we find many scientists believe exactly that... that the universe and mankind came into existence by accident. Dear friend the universe was not an accident and neither are you or your life. Your life has meaning. You are here because God created you, and therefore, your life has great reason and purpose behind it, and ahead of it. For the King of the Universe said, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) You think about that.