The Story is told of the only survivor of a shipwreck washed up on a small uninhabited pacific island. He cried out to God to save him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but no rescue appeared. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a rough hut and put his few possessions in it. But then one day, after hunting for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the black smoke bellowed into the clear blue sky. His worst fear had materialized; he was stung with grief. However Early the next day, to his udder amazement, a ship drew near the island and sent a small boat to rescue him. “How did you know I was here?” he asked the crew. Oh we saw your smoke signal,” they replied.
We’ve all experienced a sidetrack experience, when life takes you on a detour you didn’t anticipate, and it isn’t on the way to where we’re trying to go. Sidetracks aren’t necessarily bad but can be perplexing and frustrating. Sometimes a shipwreck crashes your plans or dreams on the rocks, and all you can do is pick up the pieces. Shipwrecks are painful and scary, and you wonder, “Okay God, what now?” But often God is working through all the chaos and the story that emerges strengthens everyone’s faith involved.
