“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“The toilet isn’t flushing and it’s backing up in the bathtub,” said the renters, to me, the owner. That caused me to call my plumber friend for some advice. Which he gladly gave for free! “Just open the clean-out and poke around!” was my friend’s advice. “If it’s clear into the house, the clog’s toward the septic tank. If it’s clear to the septic, it’s in the house. Got it!” “No kidding!” Was my thought!

Opening the clean-out revealed that there was no sign of ‘CLEAR’ ANYWHERE! As I probed the clean-out with a drain snake, stinky water filled up the clean-out and went in BOTH directions. Which only meant one thing… my Septic tank was FULL! Since people were renting the place, I didn’t have the privilege of time to shop around, but called the company my plumber recommended. $700 later!

The plans I’d made last night did NOT include the price of air travel and a hotel room in a different city. I was not too happy to hear that the renters had had problems starting more than 2 weeks ago, but never called, exacerbating the problem and increasing the cost. I had tried wearing rubber gloves and old jeans, but when I was in the thick of it, I remembered, “it is what it is!” and surrendered all hope!

Experience is a good teacher. Having found myself in similar, and often WORSE, circumstances MANY times in my life, I’ve learned that life has many troubles. Which should not be a surprise. Jesus, my Savior, already TOLD me that! In fact, it was life’s troubles that led me to Jesus in the first place! I remember that with Him, when trouble showed up, so did He! And He always brings peace WITH Him.

This next week has me remembering the degree of difficulty Jesus faced in His suffering, arrest and horrific death. In fact, He knew it was coming… yet went anyway. Yes, it was the Father’s will. But He also was going to pay the price of redemption for His Bride… The Church. Stink and all! SO today I am going to remember that life is neither pain nor stink free! But Jesus is with me every step of the way.

How about YOU? Are you on His stinkin’ crew?  Then Smile!!!!  It’s only up from here!