Did you hear the story about the only survivor of a shipwreck? He was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue Him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed to be coming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the weather and to store his possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke drifting up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. The survivor was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do such a thing to me?"
Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.
It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose heart because even in the midst of pain and suffering, God is at work in our lives. Remember, the next time your little hut is burning to the ground, it just may serve as a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.
And God is gracious! We say, "It's impossible!" God says, "All things are possible." (Luke 18:27) We say, "Nobody loves me!" God says, "I love you." (John 3:16) We say, "I can't forgive myself." God says, "I forgive you." (1 John 1:8) We say, "I'm always worried and frustrated." God says, "Cast all your cares on me." (1 Peter 5:7)
Know anyone whose hut is about ready to catch on fire? Encourage them with the Word of God!
