“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