Peace-Part 2

I know that most cannot relate to our struggle with infertility, but I know that many of you can relate to aspects of your life not working out as planned. When it's a major disappointment, like the loss of a loved one, a financial hardship, or a life changing illness, it is very normal for us to question God's plan for our life. Rather than pulling away from God or giving up on praying, we should try to draw closer. For me that was sooooooo difficult! It literally has taken years, and I feel that my relationship with Him is still on the mend. Sometimes it seems impossible to say "It is well: the will of God be done." It's easier to sink into a pity party. One way I try to snap myself out of a pity party is by reminding myself of God's faithfulness in the lives of other believers.

The story of many biblical characters demonstrate God's faithfulness, but so do the stories of many of the authors of our beloved hymns. In 1873, Horatio G. Spafford, an attorney who had heavily invested in Chicago real estate, lost a large amount of money as a result of the Great Chicago fire. To distract himself from his pain, he labored intensly in helping a 100,000 homeless people rebuild their homes and their lives. Horatio planned to take his wife and four daughters to Europe, but then was detained in England due to business. He promised to join them later. Catastrophically, the French liner that his family was traveling on was struck another vessel, and a number of passengers were killed, including his four daughters. When his wife cabled him, her message simply stated: "Saved Alone." Horatio chartered a ship to join his wife, and on his journey he penned these words: "It is well: the will of God be done." This phrase would be the basis for a hymn with which we are all so familiar:

"When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, It is well with my soul..." (lyrics from "It Is Well with My Soul)

You cannot read Horatio G. Spafford's story without being touched by it. Though he experienced such great loss and disappointment, he continued to be faithful to God. Such an inspiration for all of us as we go through our unique trials! If you would like to read the complete story of Horatio or any other hymn stories, I strongly recommend the book "Then Sings My Soul" by Robert J. Morgan.