539- A Burning Hut

 

St-Takla.org Image: A Cottage on Fire, painting by Joseph Wright of Derby, 1787, 58 x 76.2 cm, Minneapolis Institute of Arts Minnesota, USA. صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: كوخ يحترق، الفنان جوزيف رايت من ديربي، 1787، بمقاس 58×76,2 سم.، محفوظة في معهد منيابولس للفنون، مينيسوتا، أمريكا.

 There was a violent storm that destroyed Matthew’s ship. He had to swim on one of the pieces of the ship till he reached a desert island. Matthew knelt down to thank God for saving his life. Then, he searched for water or some plants to eat but found none. He began to collect the remaining pieces of the ship to make a hut for himself. Each time, a thought of complaining leapt into his mind he lifted up his eyes to heaven crying,

““And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God” (Rom. 8.28).

I know that You make everything good.

You change every adversity into good.

You are a loving, wise, heavenly father.

I thankfully accept everything of You.”

Suddenly he saw his hut burning. He looked to heaven not knowing what to say. He was asking God in silence, “Why did You permit such a thing O God?”

Few hours later, a ship came to him. Matthew asked the captain why he came. He answered, “We saw the fire, so we realized that you want rescue.”

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: نار في الكوخ!

You are the Beneficent God.

You change bitterness into sweetness.

You are a kind Father to me as Your son.

Who will Rescue the Ship?

Short Stories (Stories for the Youth) Books by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

A Kind Word to a Cab Driver