by Kelly Moran
for 14 February 1996
Another "problem" was discovered just last week.
A high-tech passenger subway system links the terminals at the new airport. Three cars, each holding up to 80 people, make up each train. A train stops in every terminal every 90 seconds. The farthest trip possible, from one end of the airport to the other, takes less than five minutes.
One day, one of the trains stalled. Underground, the passengers did not know what to do.
Well, they needn't worry. Officials knew immediately that the train had stopped. The high tech sensors and electronic communications of the trains automatically notified the right people. In the airport offices, operators sit before high-resolution color monitors with touch-screen controls, aware of the location and condition of every train. When the train stalled, someone said something like, "Tell the passengers to wait. We'll send someone right out there."
This was the crucial moment. Suddenly, everyone in the room realized that there was no public address system in the trains. They had no way to talk to the stranded passengers.
Oops.
Later, airport managers told the City Council that the lack of a public address speaker system was a "weak spot" in the design. The city (who owns the airport) bought bullhorns to use during any new emergencies. A public address system is being planned.
It seems this airport fits the old cliché, "plagued with failure." There are many good things about the workings of the world's most complicated and most computerized airport. But, like any new technology, there are some bugs that have to be worked out.
Have you ever felt like you were plagued with failure? Like everything you touched "turned to broke."
Everyone fails. And to be sure, some fail more than others. Often, those on the cutting edge of life, those working without a net, have a higher failure rate than others. They're likely to learn more, too.
Maybe there are weak spots in your system.
I hope you're not so tough on yourself. I mean, admit it: You make mistakes. None of us is perfect (ask anyone who knows me). But, weak spots can be expected in a system as complicated as your life.
I worry being Spiritually plagued with failure. I can't make it through a day with some kind of Spiritual glitch.
It's hard work. Paul wrote to the young preacher, Timothy, "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules." (2 Timothy 2:3-5)
Is a good soldier a perfect soldier? No, a good soldier is one who endures hardship dedicated to Christ. The athlete who wins is the one who tries hard and stays honest.
The idea of competing according to the rules is not intended to be defeating. The idea is to stay faithful. Your challenge is to keep your head above water, not walk on it.
The Apostle John said it this way, "This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
"Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." (1 John 5:3-5)
So, you fail. Sometimes the Spiritual system grinds to a halt. However, the one born of God overcomes the world. The one with faith in Jesus will wear the victor's crown.
God, I claim Jesus' victory over failure in my life.
Published weekly for 4 years and 20 weeks.
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All Scripture references are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version (unless otherwise noted).
Copyright 1996 by Kelly Moran.