Lesson 15: “Houston, We Have a Problem”
By: Kentucky Division Chaplain ChaltasI remember the very first time I heard these words and the saga of Apollo 13. I also remember Mission Control’s reply to the crisis; “Failure is not an option.” I cannot imagine how it must have felt to be so far from home and discover that you may not make it back again. Our soldiers know that feeling. But they also know, as did the Apollo 13 crew, that millions are praying for them and there were those doing something to assist in having them return home safely. There was and is an Unknown Force that refuses to give up on us. “Failure is not an option!” I have often thought of the significance of the two statements and I find that they can be applied to various life circumstances.
On April 1, 2005 I had the honor and pleasure of speaking at the 3rd annual Drug Forum held on the lovely campus of Hazard Community College, located in Hazard, Kentucky. There were several agencies in attendance and I was one of three opening speakers. One was the representative for the college president, and the second was the Kentucky Director on Substance Abuse. I had forgotten my notes and was in a panic as to what needed to be said. While sitting there I uttered a short prayer and then it dawned on me that I did not need a prepared speech but rather should speak from my heart. “Failure is not an option!” I was introduced by a couple of my favorite people and I remembered stating the famous lines spoken by Commander Loyall and then I related the situation with the drug epidemic within our region. It was well received. But there is a larger application for those well-known words that we must consider.
As I go to different speaking engagements, reenactments and/or other events I will inevitably have some one come up to me with their personal problem or ask me for advice. And I am always thrilled yet humbled to assist. They are taking a huge step. Because the first thing you must do is admit that you have a problem. No matter what, you must admit. The alcoholic attending A. A. meetings must follow the 1st of 12 steps to recovery in order to deal with the problem. That person wishing to lose weight must first recognize that he/she has a problem. That sinner must come to the realization that he/she is lost and must face it before something can be done. But now comes the wondrous news! In all settings, our Lord and Savior is saying, “Failure is not an option!” Whatever our problem; be in forgetting a piece of paper with a prepared speech, abusive relationships, substance abuse, adultery; etc., nothing can separate us from the love of God whose only request is that you ask Him into your heart. Yes, you may have a problem but there is One that has the solution and He is NOT in the failing business.
Do you wish to get off the merry-go-round and know a peace that passeth all understanding? Do you want to know a living God that CAN and WILL offer you such joy that your friends and family will notice the difference? He is in the changing business and there is a 100% guarantee with His work! General Lee recognized that unchanging principle of life when he stated that he was ‘trusting in Jesus Christ alone for his salvation’. Take your problem to the Galilean; He performs miracles everyday; why not in your life? Houston, I don’t have a problem so big that my God can’t handle it.
9:49 PM 4/8/2005