The only survivor of a shipwreck washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. 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.
But 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 stung 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 an approaching ship. 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 must not lose hope.
God is always at work, even in the midst of our pain and suffering.
Paul wrote “…I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12).
— Anonymous
Posted by Sharon R. Hoover
Photo credit: jppi at morgueFile photos
Oh boy. What a topic, what an issue I struggle with so very much. It’s not even failures “that had/do occur” any longer, rather believing ‘this me’ I’ve become is a complete & total worthless failure altogether. It’s a feeling I’ve felt & fact I’ve literally been told so many times for so very long that it’s SO deeply ingrained within me.
Glancing back through the struggles can reveal helpful insights. What lessons present themselves? How can I help others with the lessons learned? Even when the lessons seem few and far between, I find they emerge when I least expect it and I can help someone else along the way.
This story really makes me look back at the tough spots in my life and wonder which disasters were really a blessing in disguise.
So true, Rita! I can gain so much by spending time reflecting on the events in the course of a day, week, or month. Sometimes it even takes a year before I realize how God’s hand has been ever-present in a situation.
What a comforting story. Some of the worst times of my life have turned out to be the most blessed events. But I always need to be reminded. Why is that? Thanks for sharing.
Great question, Dana! I believe we need reminding because when all is going well I tend to rely upon myself. It’s when times are tough that I cry out to Jesus!
My husband just used this in a sermon lately. Good message.
Hi Holly! This story has inspired me many times over the years, too. So delighted to share it here. Thanks for stopping by!