A Leaky Roof Lesson
Acting Quickly on Friendly Advice
Some of the best counsel we ever receive is not complicated—it’s simply practical, timely, and humble enough to follow.
This little story reminds me that wisdom often begins with a small adjustment made quickly, before a problem becomes bigger than it needs to be.
After months of brainstorming, organizing, and rallying support, the church’s long-awaited new roof was finally in place. Spirits were high as the congregation gathered in the Fellowship Hall to celebrate, and the pastor couldn’t help but glow with pride. As laughter echoed through the room and cake was being shared, the festivities were interrupted by the sudden roar of thunder and the unmistakable drumming of rain on the rooftop.
Moments later, a drip became a stream. Water began trickling down, landing squarely on the pastor’s head and soaking the stack of evening agendas in front of him.
The room fell silent as all eyes shifted to the soggy spectacle, then to the pastor’s exasperated face.
He fumbled for his phone and dialed the roofing contractor, unable to keep the irritation from his voice. “I’m sitting right here in the Fellowship Hall, and it’s raining inside! The new roof is leaking, and I’m getting drenched. What am I supposed to do about this?”
Without missing a beat, the contractor replied with all the wisdom of a seasoned professional, “Well, Pastor, if I were you, I’d move my chair!”
The room erupted with laughter. After all, sometimes the simplest solution really is the best one—even if it means carrying your chair (and your dignity) a few feet to the left.
The moral of the story is clear: when life gives you lemons—or leaky roofs—try a little common sense before you call for reinforcements. And maybe invest in an umbrella for future church meetings, just in case.
That’s funny, but it’s also a gentle word for every believer. God often gives us wise counsel for the very moment we’re in. Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is obey quickly—to move the “chair,” change the habit, take the step of obedience, make the phone call, ask forgiveness, or remove the temptation.
Wisdom doesn’t just know what’s right; it acts on it.
Takeaway: When God exposes a problem, don’t just complain; respond with humble, practical obedience and make the change you can make right now.
Scriptures: Proverbs 2:6; Proverbs 3:21; Proverbs 8:5; Proverbs 10:21
Contributor: LC Taylor, Sr. (USA)
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