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.

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But
we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the
midst of pain and suffering.

Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground,
it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.

For all the negative things we have to say to
ourselves, God has a positive answer for it.

You say: It's impossible
God says: All thing are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: I'm too tired
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-20)

You say: Nobody really loves me
God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)

You say: I can't go on
God says: My grace is sufficient (IICor.12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: I can't figure things out
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: I can't do it
God says: You can do all things (Phil 4:13)

You say: I'm not able
God says: I am able (IICor.9:8)

You say : It's not worth it
God says: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)

You say: I can't forgive myself
God says: I forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: I can't manage
God says: I will supply all your needs (Phil 4:19)

You say: I'm afraid
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Tim. 1:7)

You say: I'm always worried and frustrated
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

You say: I don't have enough faith
God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)

You say: I'm not smart enough
God says: I give you wisdom (I Cor 1:30)