There is hope!
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV) Jeremiah 29:11
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, deserted island. He prayed feverishly for GOD to rescue him, and every day he searched the possibility for any kind help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of the wrecked ship to protect him from the elements, and also to store his few possessions.
One day after hunting for food he came home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. "GOD, how could you do this to me?" he cried.
Early the next day 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?" the exhausted man asked his rescuers. “We saw a smoke signal coming from this side," they replied.
It's 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 that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that is calling for the grace of GOD.
There is nothing so well known as that we should not expect something for nothing - but we all do and call it Hope. -Edgar Howe