THE LITTLE HUT
The only survivor of a shipwreck 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 himself
from the elements, and to store his few possessions.
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. "God, 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's
easy to get discouraged sometimes when things appear to be going badly. But we
shouldn't lose heart, because God 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 summons the grace of God.
For
all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer
for it.
You
say, "It's impossible".
God
says: "All thing are possible". (Luke 18:27)
You
say, "I'm too tired."
God
says: "I will give you rest". (Matt 11:28-20)
You
say, "Nobody really loves me".
God
says: "I love you". (John 3:16 - John 13:34)
You
say, "I can't go on."
God
says: "My grace is sufficient." (II Cor. 12:9 - Psalm 91:15)
You
say, "I can't figure things out."
God
says: "I will direct your steps." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You
say, "I can't do it."
God
says: "You can do all things in Me." (Phil 4:13)
You
say, "It's not worth it."
God
says: "It will be worth it." (Romans 8:28)
You
say, "I can't forgive myself."
God
says: "I forgive you." (I John 1:9 - Romans 8:1)
You
say, "I can't manage."
God
says: "I will supply all your needs." (Phil 4:19)
You
say, "I'm afraid."
God
says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear." (II Tim. 1:7)
You
say, "I'm always worried and frustrated".
God
says: "Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
You
say, "I don't have enough faith."
God
says: "I've given everyone a measure of faith." (Romans 12:3)
You
say, "I'm not smart enough."
God
says: "I give you wisdom." (I Cor. 1:30)
You
say, "I feel all alone."
God
says: "I will never leave you or forsake you." (Heb. 13:5)
Pass
this on, you never know whose life may be in need of this today.
There
are some weeks (and days) that we ALL feel our huts are burning.