Trust in God!
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 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. " 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 is 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, 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 |
God Says |
Bible Verses |
| It's impossible |
All things are possible |
(Luke 18:27) |
| I'm too tired |
I will give you rest. |
(Mathew 11:28-30) |
| Nobody really loves me. |
I love you. |
(John 3:18; John 3:34) |
| I can't go on. |
My grace is sufficient. |
(II Corinthians 12:9) |
| I can't figure things out. |
I will direct your steps. |
(Proverbs 3:5-8) |
| I can't do it. |
You can do all things. |
(Philippians 4:13) |
| I'm not able. |
I am able. |
(II Corinthians 9:8) |
| I can't forgive myself. |
I forgive you. |
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1) |
| I can't manage. |
I will supply all your needs. |
(Philippians 4:19) |
| I'm afraid |
I have not given you a spirit. |
(II Timothy 1:7) |
| I'm always worried and |
Cast all your cares on Me. |
(I Peter 5:7) |
| I don't have enough faith. |
I've given everyone a |
(Romans 12:3) |
| I'm not smart enough. |
I give you wisdom. |
(I Corinthians 1:30) |
| I feel all alone. |
I will never leave
you nor forsake you. |
(Hebrews 13:5) |
See Also:
No Hopeless Situations
There are no hopeless situations -- only people who are
hopeless about them.
Keeping an Attitude of Gratitude
When was the last time you stopped to acknowledge all the good things in your life? Very often, when we're focused on a 'big' goal, or just caught up in day-to-day living, we often forget about the things that bring us joy.
You Can Choose: Is Today Going to be a Good Day or Bad Day?
Every day you have a choice: Will it be a good day or a bad one? It really IS up to you. You can't control the external circumstances of your life
but you can control your response to them.