Is your hut burning?

January 10, 2007 | 6 comments

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

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

So, next time your little hut is burning to the ground, fear not, the substance that appears to be vaporizing before your eyes could be the very rescue action that is delivering you from your secluded island.

 

6 thoughts on “Is your hut burning?”

  1. Wow, loved the “other side of the story”, the other way to think about what appears. Thanks for the idea that brought a smile to my face. A lesson for me in trust.
    Warmly,
    Tawny

  2. How quickly we forget about the untold souls who perished on the ship.
    Can we assume at least a few were praying to the same god as they drowned?

    1. Those people did not perish at sea. God saved them all. They are alive and well this moment, thriving, growing, advancing, and doing quite well. Existence on this earth is a very temporal small blip in the eternal scheme of things. Life does not end here.

      God did answer their prayers, but perhaps not in the way they expected at the moment.

      And on the subject of prayer, as we understand God better, we are more able to conquer the onslaught of evil when it comes and prevent disasters in the first place. But there is much to learn, and we patiently, humbly walk down that path until we gain the full understanding. In the meantime, we rejoice in every evidence of good conquering evil. It is a much more positive and helpful way to live.

      1. How do you know God saved everyone?

        How is an onslaught of evil consistent with the universe that you describe?

        Why would we need to increase our understanding if we are already created perfect?

Leave a comment!

Keep the conversation going! Your email address will not be published.

*