"They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them
serve as deacons." - 1 Timothy 3:10
In August 2000, 118 Russian sailors perished when the Kursk nuclear submarine
suffered two underwater explosions and became disabled in the depths of the icy
Barents Sea.
After an explosion in the ship's torpedo room, 23 surviving crewmen rushed to a
floating rescue capsule located in the rear of the submarine. But the capsule
failed to disengage and surface. The men tapped S-O-S for days, but they
eventually perished.
Russian investigators two years later reported that the ship's launching was
behind schedule. Admirals high in the Russian Navy ordered the Kursk to sea
before all construction and testing was complete. One of those items that had
not been tested was the rescue capsule. Another item that did not work properly
was the rescue hatch. Designed for outside rescue vehicles to attach themselves
to, the rescue hatch was not installed correctly.
Fourteen rescue attempts were made by submersible vehicles, but none were able
to properly dock with the rescue hatch. Notes recovered from some of the crew of
the Kursk indicated they survived 3 days after the explosions before they
perished, more than enough time to rescue them had the rescue capsule and hatch
been properly tested so that they would properly work.
God wants to test our mettle before giving us greater responsibility. Today in
prayer, thank the Lord for testing and seek to do His will in all that you do.
"We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking, only to learn that it
is God who is shaking them." - Charles C. West
God's Word: "Test everything. Hold on to the good." - 1 Thessalonians 5:21
By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2006, Devotional E-Mail DEVOTIONS IN 1 TIMOTHY
pkennedy6@yahoo.com
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