The righteous cry and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their trouble. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of contrite spirit.—(Psalm 34:17-18, KJV)
For the past year, I’ve experienced one water emergency after another. The initial crisis was the malfunction of my well pump. My residence and other homes in my area aren’t connected to the city’s water supply, so each household must rely on its own well. An electric pump draws water from underground.
Eventually, I had to hire an expert who repaired my pump and got it working again. While he was in the pump house, I asked if he could replace my water filters. The failed well pump and the need for changing water filters were straightforward issues. However, the technician returned to inform me that I was facing a more severe problem—a dry well. On the verge of tears, all I could imagine was my money disappearing. The plumber attempted to comfort me and recommended that I contact the well driller for confirmation. He completed his work, I settled the payment, and then he departed.
I called and left a message for the well driller. He told me he would come by and check later in the week. I anxiously waited for his assessment. He discovered a hole in the well’s pipe when he checked the well. He didn’t bring the necessary tools to fix the hole but promised to return the next day with tools and a helper. When the driller returned, he worked diligently to patch the hole. Once the work was completed, he explained that the well was not dry.
Unnecessary Upselling: A 90-Day Plumbing Ordeal
My next water crisis began right after Labor Day. Labor Day had been sunny and bright, but it started to rain the next morning. Rain in Florida was not uncommon; however, it was unusual to rain for eleven consecutive days. There had been limited sunshine and constant rain throughout the entire area. During this once-in-a-100-year phenomenon, I arrived home to find moving water in my yard. I feared parking in my carport and ended up parking in the neighbor’s yard instead. The real issue, though, was inside the house. My toilet had not been flushing correctly, so I called a different plumber. He inspected the toilet, identifying the problem as an overfull septic tank. I could not flush the toilet until the water went down in the septic tank. I had no words other than to thank him. The rain continued, the water covered the yard, and I couldn’t flush the toilet.
These crises wore me out emotionally. I wondered why this was happening. I’ve never felt more hopeless since my move to Florida. I asked God if I was worthy. I bounced from despair to defeat. I felt lost and distracted. I took the crises personally, and they caused me to doubt God. I wallowed in pity. Fear held me in its grip. My heart hurt because I didn’t know what to do.
Choosing to Follow Jesus: A Pivotal Moment of Faith
I found myself at a pivotal moment in my relationship with Jesus Christ. Would I choose to continue following Him? Would I keep asserting that He was both my Lord and my Savior? Did my life truly belong to Him? Did my comfort take precedence over Jesus Christ.
During my heartache, I did the following:
· Sought God’s forgiveness for my skepticism.
· Repented and started reflecting on my favorite scriptures.
· Proclaimed my life above my circumstances.
· Welcomed God into my thoughts whenever worry and doubt crept in.
· Prayed, worshipped, and honored Jesus, my Lord, King, and Savior.
· Read the scriptures: Psalm 34:17-19; Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:4; Psalm 42; Psalm 27: 7-14; Romans 12:12 and 1 Peter 5:8-9.
Finding Divine Comfort in Times of Crisis
In times of crisis, when the weight of our troubles seems unbearable, God often reveals Himself in profound and unexpected ways. These challenging moments can strip away our distractions, forcing us to confront our deepest fears and vulnerabilities. During this vulnerability, we may find a renewed sense of His presence. This unexpected peace blankets our turmoil or a gentle whisper of encouragement in our darkest hours.
God may send comfort through the kindness of others, a timely scripture that resonates deeply, or a quiet assurance in prayer. These experiences remind us that even in our most difficult times, we are never alone; God walks with us, revealing His love and faithfulness in ways that invite us to trust Him more deeply. Through our struggles, we often understand the fullness of His grace, recognizing that our trials can lead us to a closer relationship with Him.
Your Turn: What is your response when you face a situation that causes you to doubt God? Will your crisis drive you toward Jesus or away from Him?
Prayer: Father God, when I face a turning point, let my actions lead to life. Let my decisions please you. Search my heart, and let me be found worthy. Amen.
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