Dec. 12: Smoke Signals

A shipwreck survivor washed up on a small, deserted island.  The man prayed to God for help, but no rescuers appeared.

Eventually he built a driftwood hut that protected him and kept him dry.  But one day after scavenging for food, he returned to find his hut on fire.

He called out in despair, “God, how could you do this to me?”

The next day the man was stunned to see a ship coming to rescue him.  “How did you know I was here?” he asked.

“We saw your smoke signal,” they answered.

God is always at work in our lives, even in the midst of suffering.  The next time your own hut seems to be burning to the ground, it just may be a smoke signal—one that summons the grace of God.

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.  He fulfills the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry, and saves them. 

(Psalm 145:18-19)

Give me the vision to see Your will working in my life, Lord.