Years ago I was helped in my time of trial by the story of a sole shipwreck survivor who was washed up on a tiny deserted island. Every day he prayed and searched the horizon for rescue—all in vain.

With his waning strength he had managed to build a little hut out of drift wood. But on returning from his search for food one day, he saw the hut with all his meager belongings being devoured in flames. Everything was lost!

As the smoke rose into the sky, his bitter cry rose to God, “Why? Oh why, Lord?” Next day early a ship appeared on the horizon. “We saw your smoke signal!” they explained.

Friend, perhaps you are washed up and washed out, and your little hut and possessions are all aflame, grab hold of this promise from God:

“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:13-14)