“What is that awful commotion?” I asked myself as I opened the door to my house. It sounded as if my cat had cornered a defenseless rabbit or other critter, but I knew he had not been outside to “hunt.” I rushed to the sun porch to see what he was up to, but he was sleeping peacefully in his favorite spot.

The noise continued. It was coming from my chimney. It sounded like an animal in great distress—crying and whining and then barking and scratching angrily. What in the world could it be? Birds? A squirrel? A raccoon?

Feeling sorry for the poor thing, I sent out an SOS for sons Jon and Joe. Their response? Working. Be there later this afternoon.

I tried to work myself, but the cries and whimpers were very distracting. A search of the Internet for information on critters in chimneys revealed that raccoons are the most likely culprits. I searched YouTube for videos on raccoons and squirrels in chimneys and listened carefully to their vocalizations. Yes, it was probably a raccoon, I concluded.

When my animal control guys Jon and Joe finally arrived, we discussed what to do. Jon laughingly suggested we open the damper and let it out in a fishing net. I imagined a scene much like the one in the old Ray Stevens video, “The Mississippi Squirrel Revival.” You may recall it:

“The day the squirrel went berserk
In the First Self-Righteous Church
In that sleepy little town of Pascagoula (Pascagoula)
It was a fight for survival that broke out in revival

They were jumpin’ pews and shoutin’ Hallelujah!”

(If you’ve never seen the video, check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K16fG1sDagU.  It will tickle your funny bone and make your day.)

I could imagine our jumping a chair or two if a wild critter ran out of my fireplace!

But, back to my story.

Still not knowing what was really making the pitiful noises, son Joe climbed on the roof to see if he could see it. His conclusion? A squirrel and not a raccoon. His solution? Hand him the very long limb lying in my backyard. He’d make the squirrel a “stairway to heaven”—a way out of the pit! (Joe always has been a good troubleshooter!)

I followed instructions, and sure enough, it took only a few minutes for the little devil to come climbing out on the branch Joe provided.

It was getting late. Out came the “stairway,” down came Joe, and home he headed. Only problem? After he left, I went back into the house only to hear more sounds from the chimney. The critter had not been alone! There was at least one remaining varmint!

Back came the “animal control specialist” to repeat the procedure. It was almost dark by now, so he left the “stairway” in the chimney overnight. By morning, whatever—or whoever–was still lurking in the chimney apparently came out, for there were no more noises. All was quiet in Shirley’s den!

As I examined the “rescue” for a spiritual lesson, I thought of Jacob who was on the run from Esau. While sleeping using a rock for a pillow and dreaming of angels climbing a “stairway to heaven,” he heard the voice of God telling him he would bless him and take care of him.  (Genesis 28) (Now keep in mind that Jacob had stolen his brother’s birthright, but the Lord must have seen potential in the lying thief.) When Jacob awoke, he was so moved by his experience that he built an altar to honor the Lord.

Then my mind turned to Joseph who was thrown in a pit by his brothers. (Genesis 37) When he was pulled out, they sold him into slavery where he struggled for years until the Pharaoh elevated him to second in command in Egypt. He later told his brothers in a beautiful example of forgiveness:

“’Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.’ So, he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.” (Genesis 50:19-21)

I thought of David, the psalmist, who wrote:

“He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.” (Psalm 40:2)

In all three situations—Jacob, Joseph, and David—the men were in danger from others who wanted to kill them. Yet in all three instances, the Lord was able to save them and use their experiences in a mighty way.

I have no idea how the squirrels ended up in my chimney. Were they chasing each other and fell in? Were they having a secret rendezvous and couldn’t get back out? Were they checking out real estate for a new nest? Whatever the situation, I don’t think they chose the “pit.” Yet they were saved when Joe provided a way out.

Such is our relationship with the Lord. When we find ourselves in a pit of despair—whether by our own bad choices or the evil intent of others—the Lord will hear us and save us if we cry out like the trapped squirrels. He will provide a way and use the experience for his glory, as he did in the account of Joseph, if we are willing. His brothers sold him out of hatred. The Lord used it for his purposes and ultimate glory. Joseph the betrayed became Joseph the savior of his family.  (Interestingly, the rescuer in my story is also named Joseph—Joe for short.)

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28 NLT)

Challenge: What about you? Are you in the pit of despair? Are you stuck with no visible way out? Take heart! Cry out to the Lord, and he will come to your rescue in his time and in his way. Our job? Just to pray, trust, and wait for him to rescue us. We may be amazed at how and who he uses to help us!

Thanks for reading each week. Many blessings.