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 forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the weather and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He cried out, "Cod, how could you do this to me?"
Early the next morning the man was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. Rescued at last! The weary man asked the captain, "How did you know I was here?" The captain answered, "We saw your smoke signal."
It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose heart because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, the next time "your little hut" is burning to the ground, it just may be 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, "No one 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 anxious." God says, "Cast your cares on me." (1 Peter 5:7)
Please feel free to pass this along to anyone you know whose hut might be in danger of burning!
