God is working....

Sometimes when our lives seem out of control, we fail to realize that God is working His plan for our lives. We may be devastated by circumstances around us but God is in control. Job 5:9 says,

"He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted."

While reading the Pastor's Bible, I came across the following story and excerpts.

These words remind us to be open and alert to God's varied and unusual ways of aiding and working on our behalf when we are faced with unwelcome change.

The story of the sole survivor of a shipwreck illustrates and teaches a spiritual lesson. In the 17th century, a sailing vessel crossing the Pacific was battered and broken by a fierce typhoon. The one and only survivor managed to land upon a small, uninhabited island. He was able to do this by desperately clinging to a wooden beam from his ship. After much trouble and considerable effort, he built a crude hut where he placed all the belongings that had washed ashore from the sinking ship. Each day, he prayed to God for deliverance, and he continually scanned the ocean horizon to hail any ships that might pass by. One day, upon returning from a search for food, he was horrified to find his hut in flames. Everything he had was gone. Feeling that things could get no worse, the man looked toward heaven and cursed God. About three hours later, however, a ship arrived, and the captain said, "We saw your smoke signal."

God helps us many times in the most unexpected way... sometimes, in the midst of despair it is hard for us to see what He is doing... yet, He is always there... There are several things that we can do during these times....

... In times of despair, ask God to give hope.
... In times of darkness, ask God to pierce that darkness with light.
... In times of weakness and fear, ask God for enough courage
to take the next step.
... In times of confusion, ask God for clarity of mind.
... In times of pain and torment, ask God for peace.

God is our hope, our strength, our protector...