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. Day after day, he would scavenge the beach for wreckage from the ship. After a few days, he was able to build a little hut out of the wreckage and some driftwood to protect him from the storms and to keep his meager possessions. He was able to build small fire and he kept it burning day and night just in case he couldn't re-kindle the flame. One day, as he returned from searching for food he saw smoke from the beach. He ran down to shore to find his little hut in flames. The smoke drifting high into the sky. The worst possible thing had happened; he had lost everything. He was stunned with grief and anger.

"God, how could you do this to me!" he cried. Grief stricken he fell asleep on the beach in total despair.

Early the next morning he awoke to a strange sound. He jumped to his feet, there approaching the beach was power boat and in the distance a great ship. They were coming to rescue him. He was overjoyed with excitement.

"How did you know I was here?" he asked his rescuers.

"Why...we saw your smoke signal," they replied.

Don't Get Discouraged.. Have Faith!

There are times in everyone's life when bad seems to go to worse. We find ourselves in a tough situation, then something happens to compound the problem and we really get discourage. We feel like crying out.. "God have you forgotten me? Where are you when I need You?" Listen, don't lose heart.. don't get discourage. God is still on the throne and He is working in your behalf. In those times, the very problem may be God's door for the solution.

So dear friend, please remember this, God loves you and He has a plan for your life. When you find your hut on fire.. remember it may be the signal that the God is about to come on the scene in a mighty and wonderful way.