Trust in God!

By Patti Iverson

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.

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:

We Say	God Says	Bible Verses
It's impossible	All things are possible	(Luke 18:27)
I'm too tired	I will give you rest.	(Mathew 11:28-30)
Nobody really loves me.	I love you.	(John 3:18; John 3:34)
I can't go on.	My grace is sufficient.	(II Corinthians 12:9)
I can't figure things out.	I will direct your steps.	(Proverbs 3:5-8)
I can't do it.	You can do all things.	(Philippians 4:13)
I'm not able.	I am able.	(II Corinthians 9:8)
I can't forgive myself.	I forgive you.	(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
I can't manage.	I will supply all your needs.	(Philippians 4:19)
I'm afraid	I have not given you a spirit.	(II Timothy 1:7)
I'm always worried and	Cast all your cares on Me.	(I Peter 5:7)
I don't have enough faith.	I've given everyone a	(Romans 12:3)
I'm not smart enough.	I give you wisdom.	(I Corinthians 1:30)
I feel all alone.	I will never leave you nor forsake you.	(Hebrews 13:5)

My mom died when I was 14. My dad followed her to heaven when I was 16. I felt life was impossible. Nobody really loved me. I couldn’t figure things out. I can’t do it. I was not able. I couldn’t forgive myself. I couldn’t manage. I was afraid. I was worried. I didn’t have enough faith. I was not smart enough. I felt all alone. See the chart above. I trusted God. He responded and shaped my life through His Word.

As a young mom I felt many of the same emotions. God to the rescue again! When illness and trials have come in my life, through marriage, teenagers, disease and, Satan, the above verses ring true again. I can trust God. Sometimes I cannot trust others, or myself, but I TRUST GOD. Try it. You’ll like it! Guaranteed success.

Randpi2@charter.net