Part Two: “Honey, the sink is gurgling…”

“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” James 1:3

It was supposed to be a good day. When I woke up that Saturday, I had planned on tackling indoor renovations in the dining room. I was actually looking forward to starting projects to enhance the interior of our 1962 ranch home…but God had other ideas for me.

When I opened the crawlspace hatch to investigate the cause of a gurgling sink, I was horrified to discover 7” of water in our huge crawlspace.

I sat on the edge of that opening looking into the hole in shock, and getting madder by the minute. This wasn’t supposed to happen…how did this happen…is there a plumbing leak…is the foundation damaged…how do I remove this water?!

My wife watched as I lifted my head and shouted at the ceiling, “LORD, WHAT POSSIBLE GOOD CAN COME FROM THIS FLOODED MESS?! AM I DREAMING? BECAUSE THIS IS A NIGHTMARE!”

My lovely wife asked me to call someone for help. “Call a friend, a neighbor, call anyone who may have dealt with this before.” I told her I was in no mood to talk to anyone at the moment…I was stuck in a temper tantrum, an absolute rarity for me.

The devil was having a field day with my flesh and emotions, launching a volley of flaming darts of doubt at my soul…Why did we buy this house? Why did God let us buy this house? I was supposed to be getting things done today! I should be at Home Depot buying supplies right now! This place is a money pit!

I was in a war. My plate was full. My “honey do list” was as long as a career criminal rap sheet. I had no time for this absolute mess! I actually went out to the garage and gave a pretty good Braveheart-style battle cry…and why not? I was in a battle, after all…but the biggest battle was inside me, not under the house.

Hey, did you ever notice that major trials aren’t usually scheduled in? They show up less like a summer breeze and more like a hurricane, don’t they?

The big question is this: Do we recognize that it’s God who allows them to happen to us? A trial is a test of our faith, giving us a chance to react or respond…either in the flesh or in the Spirit.

So, what about that flooded crawlspace? Stay tuned for the conclusion. God definitely got my attention…as He always does.