Romans 5:3-5

3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Recently, Doug opened the cover on our hot tub to do some routine maintenance and found that it was almost completely empty! Perplexed, he began checking everything in and around the tub to determine what may have caused it to drain on its own. After a thorough investigation, he refilled it.

The next day when he went back out to check the status, it was empty again!

This time, both of us became detectives; tightening knobs, changing the settings and searching for evidence of a leak. After we surveyed almost every inch of the hot tub we refilled it…again.

The next day, when I went out to check the status, it was empty….again!!!!

Disappointed?

Yes.

The weather had just begun to approach the freezing mark– the perfect dichotomy of extreme temperatures to enjoy lounging in the hot tub.

After much frustration and troubleshooting, I did what any self-righteous Christian woman would do: I threw a hissy fit. Recalling all the problems and trials we’ve had with that electric water box just further infuriated me. Eventually, however, I came to my senses and began praying. Then my daughter and I went to work…determined to find the problem— and fix it!

After locating the drain plug (hidden behind the stairs, pressed against the upper deck) we laid down on our bellies straining to reach it. After a few turns, we realized it was loose! Wet boards (hidden by autumn leaves and fallen pine straw) further confirmed our suspicion- the water had, in fact been leaking out of the drain.

After re-tightening the plug, refilling it … again, and waiting a day for the water to reach 102 degrees, Doug and I were finally able to enjoy using the hot tub for its intended purpose; to relax and enjoy one another’s company after a long, hard day.

A week later, after re-hashing the problems with God, He showed me yet another life lesson:

Just like that electric water box, I was designed with a purpose. In order to fulfill that purpose, I must be filled with His living water. But occasionally, unbeknownst to me, my drain plug becomes loose and His water begins to slowly seep out- leaving me feeling drained. If I remain empty for too long, my motor will over heat and destroy my circuit board. In an attempt to save myself, I may panic and shut the breaker off, leaving myself without power…..

Fortunately, unlike our water box, I can rejoice when I face problems and trials of any kind. For I know that God loves me and I am free to ask Him at any time, during any season of life, to show me any leaks that are hidden. After I acknowledge my faults and ask for His forgiveness, He refills my water box….again, and through His power, I can fulfill my intended purpose.

Jeremiah 2:13

13 “For my people have done two evil things:
They have abandoned me—
the fountain of living water.
And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns
that can hold no water at all!

John 7:38

38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”