God’s Smoke-Signal!

By Helen Jesze, 26^th October 2019

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me,”

Psalm 50, 15 Berean Study Bible

The story goes that a ship was wrecked very near to a desert island, and only one passenger was saved, and able to swim to land. He was a devout Christian and thanked God that he had not been drowned, but it was terrifying to him that no-one knew where he was, and he might die alone there. Venturing a little inland, he found fruits and berries and clear water, which kept him alive, and at night he curled up under some trees to sleep. One day a wooden chest was washed ashore from the ship. He found it contained some tools and other necessities. He began to cut down trees and made himself a simple house, and prayed constantly for God to send a ship so he might return to England.

Some months later, he was on his way home, when he saw thick smoke ahead of him. To his horror, he saw his little house had completely burned down! He had lost everything and he was heartbroken, wondering how God could allow such a thing to happen. After lying shivering for hours, he fell into a fitful sleep, and awoke to the sound of men’s voices. Cautiously peering out, he saw a schooner out at sea, with smaller boats rowing to the shore, and a man in a captain’s uniform was walking up the beach.

The man jumped up and asked the captain, “How did you know I was here?!” He replied, “We saw your smoke-signal!” The man realised God had heard his prayers for deliverance! He had used the burning house to draw the sailors to land!

Here is a lesson for us. God can take the thing which seems so terrible to us, and turn it around for our good! He truly is a God who cares for his children!