The reading is taken from The Epistle of Paul, The Apostle to the Romans Chapter 8 verse 28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God to those who are the called according to this purpose
Kita tahu sekarang, bahwa Allah turut bekerja dalam segala sesuatu untuk mendatangkan kebaikan bagi mereka yang mengasihi Dia, yaitu bagi mereka yang terpanggil sesuai dengan rencana Allah
This is the word of The Lord. Thanks be to God
It started from my dream. I want to become an astronaut.
I want to fly into space. But I do not have something for that. I do not have a degree. And I’m not a pilot. However, nothing happened.
The White House announced that they are looking for citizens who are teachers to participate in 51-L flight of the shuttle Challanger.
I am an ordinary citizen, and I am a teacher. On that same day I send my resume to Washington.
Every day I ran to the mailbox. Finally came the official envelope bearing the NASA. My prayers were answered.
I escaped first stage. This really happened to me. Over the next few weeks, my dream almost came true, NASA held a moment of physical and mental tests. Once the test is complete, I waited and prayed again.
I know I’m getting closer to my dream.
Some time later, I received a call to follow special astronaut training program at the Kennedy Space Center.
From 43,000 applicants, and 10,000 people, and now I became part of the 100 people who gathered for the final assessment.In that assessment, I had to go through simulator, test klaustrofobia, agility exercises, and experiments of air sickness. Who among us could pass this final exam? Lord, let me be elected, so I prayed.
Then came the news was devastating. NASA chose Christina McAufliffe. I’m lost .. My life’s dream destroyed. I get depressed. My confidence was gone, and anger replace happiness . I questioned everything. Why God? Why not me? Whice part of me that doesn’t meet the requirement?
Why am I being treated cruelly?
I turned to my father. He said, “Everything happens for a reason.” Tuesday, January (the) 28, 1986, I gathered with friends to see the launch of The Challanger.As the plane passed over the tower foundation runway, I challenged my dream for the last time. God, I’m willing to do anything to get on board . Why not me?
Seventy-three seconds later, God answered all questions and remove all doubts as Challanger exploded, and killing all passengers. I remembered my father’s words, “Everything happens for a reason.”
I was not selected in that flight, although I wanted it because God has other reasons for my presence on this earth.
I have another mission in life. I did not lose; I am a winner. I, Frank Slazak, still alive to thank God for not granted my prayers.
Friends, God answered our prayers in 3 ways:
1. When God says YES, then we will get what we ask 2. When God says NO, then we will get a better one 3. When God says WAIT, then we will get theBEST in accordance with the will of HISLet us pray
Thank you, LORD, for another day. Thank you for the sun and the deep blue sky. Help me to remember that all good things come from you, And help me always to be thankful. Dear Lord, Help me to be good today. Forgive me for the times I did what I wanted to do, instead of what you wanted me to do. Today is a new day, and I can start brand new because you have forgiven me. Help me to be a blessing today. Use me to bring happiness to those you love. Dear Lord, your love is better than anything else in the world. And you love me. Help me always to remember that.
Thank you, LORD! Amien.
(Fifiastutie Soebiyanto)