|
|
(The following article was written after one of my past problems with computers. D.T.) LESSONS FROM A CRASH As everybody here knows we experienced a slight "technical event" other wise known as a computer crash. A file in the windows program was either, a) corrupted, b) deleted, or c) eaten by the family dog. All that matters is the program will not start and the computer will not run. The "technical support" at Dell assured me we could work through the problem without much trouble. After "working through the problem" for about an hour it we decided I would have to reinstall the windows program. As the result I had to erase the hard drive. For those who are not computer owners this means everything on the computer was lost. I am now in the process of reinstalling the programs and all that entails. This brings to mind the following lessons: Better safe than sorry . We often hear this but are tempted to try and get by rather than make the extra effort to be safe. In computer terms I am speaking of saving all your work on some type of storage device. For most of us that means a CD, floppy disk, or memory stick. At the first of the year I backed up most of last year’s material. I still had all of my lessons on a memory stick so very little material was lost.I was very fortunate because normally I do not save items as I should. It is easier to put it for later when I have more time. I was very lucky. Unfortunately many people treat life this way. They know what should be done and what is safe to do but they procrastinate, thinking they will have more time and "one of these days" they will obey God. They think they can sow their "wild oats" now and live the way they want but before they die they will make it right with God. Only they don’t know when they will die. Sadly, most will die in an unsaved condition: lost for eternity. Just remember, it is too late to do what is safe after the crash. Starting a new can be good. Some of the information lost and erased forever was junk. Most computers have items on them that are forgotten and taking up space. I will save items on the hard drive and then forget that they exist or there are hidden files in the programs. A program may be deleted but the hidden files are still there. Well they are not there now! This freed up memory on the hard drive for more important information.Such is the case with becoming a Christian. The Bible says we become new creatures, 2 Corinthians 5.17. Past sins are remitted, or washed away by the blood of Christ, Acts 22.16. With the burden of sin and its guilt washed away we are now free to serve God. Such is a liberating experience. It is bad when you lose the good stuff. Not to contradict what I just wrote I must mention this part. Unfortunately all of our programs were erased, meaning I am currently in the process of reinstalling them. Finding the necessary disks can be a hassle, plus each program must be registered. Once again I am in that process.In life we learn a lot of valuable lessons. Lesson about love and the family we learn from our parents. Lessons about God and His love we learn from others and especially the Bible.
We should never let anybody teach us that God is bad and Satan is good. Or we can do things contrary to His word and still go to heaven. As one preacher a long time ago said, "Never let somebody teach you something that isn’t so." Sometimes you just got to call for some support. I quickly realized my computer knowledge was too limited to fix the problem. So I called somebody else. In times past they were able to walk me through the process and we fixed whatever problem I was facing. Even in this situation they guided me on the best course of action. There are times we need help. Help may come in prayer to God, by letting him know our hearts desire and casing our burdens on Him, we receive strength. The Bible points out the power of prayer and that God hears them, 1 John 5.14. He may not answer those prayers in the way we want but He is still answers. At other times we may need help from those around us. Through our years together Regena and I have been able to rely on each other, our families, and our brothers and sisters in Christ. As Christians we should be willing to prayer for each other and even rejoice together, Romans 12.15. Life is a learning experience. This was not the first time I had some type of computer problem and it won’t be the last. Each time I learn a little bit more about computers. The next time I will be better equipped to handle the problem both technically and emotionally. Believe it or not I did not throw the laptop across the room or even hit the desk. James points out the value of life’s trials and tribulations. It is called patience and faith, James 1. We face problems early in life and learn to cope through them but bigger and more complicated trials will come. We either develop patience or quit. As our patience and faith develops we learn to trust God more and more. There is not an easy way to learn this lesson but it is worth learning. I have learned to not get too carried away when bad situations happen although I will admit I am still being tested. Yet I know a better day is ahead and trials do work out for those who love the Lord. Remember to always be ready to die for you know not when such will happen. God has given us a great opportunity to live as new creatures. Ask for help when you need it, and have the patience to remain faithful. D. T. |