THE LITTLE HUT

A Parable:

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.

Eventually he managed to build a little hut
out of driftwood and palm-fronds to protect himself
from the elements, and to store his few possessions.

But then one night, after scavenging for food all day,
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 he was awakened by the sound of a ship 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.

+ + +

Dear God, please keep me trusting and hoping always.

Amen

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