Smoke Signals - The Burning Hut

“When you have done everything you can possibly do, you just stand and let God work.”

By Paula Graham

A friend sent me an email about a man shipwrecked on an island. The man survived and managed to gather all he needed to build a hut for shelter. He prayed everyday to God to send someone to rescue him. One day his hut caught fire. As the hut burned the man cursed God and he kept asking, “God why are you letting this happen to me? Haven’t I been trusting and faithful? Haven’t I prayed faithfully everyday for a rescue?” If you haven’t guessed by now, the next day a ship docked right off the island and rescued him. The man asked the captain, “How did you know to stop?” The captain replied, “The crew spotted your smoke signal.”

Well, like many of us, I’m still waiting for my hut to stop burning. I’ve recently gone through a bitter divorce so I’m still scheduling court appearances. I cannot see any financial relief in sight. Things are not great for me right now to say the least. At times I feel alone, rejected, and hopeless.

I went to see Passion of the Christ last Sunday. I wept, along with everyone else in the theater, witnessing what Jesus suffered – FOR ME! At times He felt alone, rejected, and even hopeless. I know that He is going through this trial with me right at this moment and I am so thankful.

While things are difficult right now, my life seems richer. I have made some wonderful friendships since the difficulties associated with the divorce have begun. I have incredible support and love from family and friends. I am still standing. I'm reminded of a saying, “When you have done everything you can possibly do, you just stand and let God work.” I feel so blessed at this moment, and I am actually thankful to God for these trials, because it is showing me that I can make it through with His help. Like the man in the story, I too am a survivor.

Blessings,

Paula