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The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small,
uninhabited island. He prayed for God to rescue him, and each day he
searched the horizon for help, but none appeared. He was very tired, but
built a hut out of driftwood to provide shelter from the weather. He
came home one day and found his hut on fire, the smoke was rolling up.
The worst possible had happened, all that he owned was lost. He said,
“God, how could you do this to me?” The next day he was awakened by
sounds of a ship coming to the island. He knew it would rescue him. He
asked, “How did you know I was here?” They answered, “We saw your smoke
signal!”
It is easy to get discouraged when everything goes bad, but we
shouldn’t lose hope, because God is at work in our lives, even in the
midst of pain and suffering. When your own hut is burning, it may be a
smoke signal that summons God’s grace. For every depressing thing we
have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer.
Here are God’s answers in the Bible:
Me: It’s impossible.
God: All things are possible.
(Luke 18:27)
Me: I’m too tired.
God: I will give you rest.
(Matt. 11:28-30)
Me: Nobody loves me.
God: I love you. (John 3:16)
Me: I can’t figure things out.
God: I will direct your
steps. (Proverbs 3:56)
Me: I can’t do it.
God: You can do all things.
(Phil. 4:13)
Me: I’m not able.
God: I am able. (2 Cor. 9:8)
Me: It’s not worth it.
God: It will be worth it.
(Romans 8:28)
Me: I can’t forgive myself.
God: I forgive you. (1 John
1:9)
Me: I can’t manage.
God: I will supply your
needs. (Phil. 4:19)
Me: I am afraid.
God: I have not given you a
spirit of fear. (2 Tim. 1:3)
Me: I am always worried and
frustrated.
God: Cast all your cares on
me. (1 Peter 5:7)
Me: I don’t have enough faith.
God: I’ve given you a measure
of faith. (Romans 13:2)
I do not get depressed, but sometimes, frustration is a
temptation. Then, I pull out this story that was given to me by a
friend. It seems every problem I have, God has an answer. Try it |