| The only survivor in a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for Jehovah to rescue him, and everyday 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 elements, 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 smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. "Jehovah, how could you do this to me!" he cried. 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 of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied. It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose heart, because Jehovah is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground ----it just may be a smoke signal that brings Jehovah's help. For all the negative things we have said to ourselves, Jehovah has a positive answer for it: You say: "It's impossible" Jehovah says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27) You say: "I'm too tired" Jehovah says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30) You say: "Nobody really loves me" Jehovah says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34) You say: "I can't go on" Jehovah says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalms 91:15) You say: "I can't figure things out" Jehovah says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6) You say : "I can't do it" Jehovah says: You can do all things (Philippines 4:13) You say: "I'm not able" Jehovah says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8) You say: "It's not worth it" Jehovah says: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28) You say: "I can't forgive myself" Jehovah says: I FORGIVE YOU (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1) You say: "I can't manage" Jehovah says: I will supply all your needs (Philippines 4:19) You say, "I'm afraid" Jehovah says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7) You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated" Jehovah says: Cast all your cares on ME(I Peter 5:7) You say: "I don't have enough faith" Jehovah says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) You say: "I'm not smart enough" Jehovah says: I give you wisdom(I Corinthians 1:30) You say: "I feel all alone" Jehovah says: I will never leave you or forsake you(Hebrews 13:5) Do you really feel like contradicting Jehovah today? |
| Shipwreck |