Saturday, September 25, 2010

The Burning Hut

I thought I would share a story I came across again in some of my notes. It is a good reminder of how God often uses our circumstances to "grace us".

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. He eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions.

One day, after scavenging for food he arrived home to find his hut in flames, with smoke rolling up into the sky. The worst had happened, and now everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out to God, "How could you do this to me?" He eventually fell into an exhausted sleep.

Early the next morning he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island. It had come to rescue him! When the rescuers came ashore he asked how they knew he was here. "We saw your smoke signal" they said.

The moral of the story: It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we need not lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground, it just may be the smoke signal God is using to rescue you!
To read or share inspirational posts, please visit Ginger and Charlotte over at Spiritual Sundays. http://www.bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Renee, Thank you for sharing this today and I hope you have a nice weekend.

MTJ said...

Hi Renee,

Thanks for sharing a story with a message of encouragement; the loss of all we value does not signal the end, merely a new beginning.

God made a promise to the believer: "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you..." -- I must never lose sight of those words.

That's more assuring than the guy who extends his hands and says, "You're in good hands with Allstate."

Blessings and peace.

MTJ

michelle said...

nice!

Donna @ The House on the Corner said...

And there you go!!! How quickly we give up - I know I do constantly - instead of waiting to see where he will lead us. Thanks for the reminder!

Joan Hall said...

This is a great story. Often we anguish over what we perceive tobe hardships in our lives when in reality they are part of God's plan to show us His majesty and glory.

Blessings,
Joan

shannon i olson said...

yes, how easy we forget. God never promised things would go easy. My prayer is to trust him when the hut is burning and when it is standing. Sometimes when things are good, I wander farther away.

Kelee Katillac said...

I LOVE that! God's mysterious ways.... great story!

Thank-you Renee. It is so true...trust is the key....pure faith.



love, kelee

Lisa notes... said...

I love this story, Renee. Thank you for sharing it. I will take the lesson to heart.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

I liked this story. Sending you hugs. Take gentle care of you ok...and stay strong.

Susan said...

We have to trust Him completely as He accomplishes in us His plans and purposes.

Anonymous said...

I have read this story before and I am glad to see it again...it is so true. God knows the plan and we don't even get to peek! He uses these times in my life to increase my faith in Him. Thanks for the reminder.

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

I loved this!! I always try to see how the Lord works in my life daily.
Thank-you Renee for sharing this great story.
Blessings,
Ginger

From The Heart Online said...

Hi Renee! Thanks for stopping by my place and commenting.

What a great story - it's hard to remember that in times of trouble. But when we do ... Woo! Those are moments to celebrate! :)

-Kim

Saleslady371 said...

You posted this for me! Have a great weekend.

Charlotte said...

I absolutely love this story. I have heard it before but was glad to be reminded of it. It is such a faith-building reminder. Thank you for sharing it.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Sue said...

What a great message of hope today Renee, how often have i questioned God, when my hut was burning.thank you for sharing, and thank you for your visit, and words of encouragement.
Blessings,
Sue

Cathy said...

That is a great, encouraging story. Thank you, Dear. Blessings ~

Anonymous said...

Wow. What a great story! I am sure that encouraged many... it definately encouraged me!

Karen said...

Renee,
What a sweet reminder; that HE is always at work, in our lives.
Thanks for stopping by Places of my Heart.

a spiritual thread runs through said...

thank you so much for sharing this story. today, this is just what i needed to read. God can, and does, take care of us--even when we may not enjoy or trust the process sometimes.

Dena E's Blog said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog and for this encouraging post Sweetie..
I soooo locve the Autumn it is deep in my soul.. Perhaps its because my BD is soon as the trees are turning,, we have had some glorious Autumn days here in Iowa lately!!! "" As You Look to Him May Gods Angels Always Keep Watch Over You~~~Blessing You in all You ""
Hugs Dena

Cindy Adkins said...

This is an amazing story--and so applicable to life...wow! Sending hugs your way,
Cindy