When I am confronted by times of stress, doubt and anxiety
I often find it helpful to consider the following story concerning one of our
most beloved hymns. I believe you will find it applicable to your life as well.
The Great Chicago Fire occurred in 1871 resulting in over 300 deaths and an estimated 100,000 homeless. The tragedy of that event profoundly influenced the life of Horatio Gates Spafford. Spafford was an attorney who lost a large investment of property in the fire. Even more devastating was the death of his son about that time. In spite of his personal losses Spafford unselfishly helped others who were grief stricken.
In November of 1873 Spafford and his family decided to travel
to England to meet D.L. Moody on an evangelistic campaign followed by a trip to
Europe. Before they left Spafford was unexpectedly detained by urgent business.
The decision was made for his wife, Anna, and their daughters to go ahead to
England and he would follow. Once again tragedy struck. Off the coast of
Newfoundland the ship collided with an English sailing vessel and sank. Though
Spafford’s wife was one of 47 survivors all four daughters were among the 226
who died. Anna Spafford’s heartbreaking telegram to her husband simply read:
"Saved alone." Spafford immediately left for England to join his
grieving wife. As his ship approached the spot where his daughters had drowned
he took pen in hand and wrote the words that have become such a profound part
of our Christian heritage.
"When peace like a river attendeth my way, When
sorrows like sea-billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say;
"It is well, it is well with my soul.”
In his overwhelming sorrow Spaffored experienced the “peace
that passes all understanding” (Phil. 4:6-7). You and I can know that same
peace as we open our heart to the Spirit of God and allow Him to make it "well with my soul."
