Find hope in God

Narrated from the Mormon Tabernacle and accompanied by their choir, a friend of mine sent me a link to a story about the song, It is well with my soul.

“I have always loved this song, but never knew . . .

Narrated from the Mormon Tabernacle and accompanied by their choir, a friend of mine sent me a link to a story about the song, It is well with my soul.

“I have always loved this song, but never knew the origin of it,” she wrote.

In the 1800s, Horatio Gates Spafford wrote the beloved hymn titled: It is Well With my Soul.

It was penned from personal experience; written after major tragedies in life.

Spafford and his wife, Anna, had five children; one son and four daughters. First, his four-year old son, Horatio Junior, died suddenly of scarlet fever. Next, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 ravaged the city and ruined him financially. Still, Spafford assisted the homeless, impoverished, and griefstricken devastated by the fire. Spafford tried to help the people of the city get back on their feet after the destructive inferno.

Two years later, Spafford, his wife along with their four daughters decided to take a vacation. They were to go to England to join Dwight Moody on one of his evangelistic crusades. Then, they’d travel to Europe. Delayed by some business, Spafford sent his family on ahead. Spafford would catch up to them on the other side of the Atlantic.

But while crossing the ocean, there was a collision with another ship. All four of Spafford’s young daughters died in the accident. His wife, Anna was rescued and survived.

In tremendous grief, Spafford left Chicago to meet Anna, who was staying with friends in France. At one point during the voyage, the ship’s captain summoned Spafford and told that their ship was passing near the spot where his daughters had passed away. Leaning for strength on his tremendous faith in God, Spafford reached for a pen and wrote these words:

“When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to know, It is well, it is well, with my soul.”

Spafford found hope in God when everything else seemed lost. When Spafford and his wife finally met up with Dwight Moody, Spafford purportedly said quietly, “It is well…the will of God be done.”

Life may have thrown you some overwhelming curves. And with tearful eyes, you may be struggling with sorrow, regrets or many afflictions. Maybe your situation appears bleak, seems hopeless, and your heartfelt desires have not yet come to pass. However, you must not live bitter, stressed out, and defeated. Instead, take hold of God’s hand, turn your worries over to Him and find rest.

Whatever happens, you needn’t walk it alone. You are stronger than you think you are. With God, you can bear whatever comes your way. So, release the weight of your burdens onto the Lord. Stay in peace, and He will heal, deliver and restore you in every area of your life.

In the Scriptures I read: After suffering great losses, Job learned to trust God under all conditions. And, Job was given back twice what he lost.

In the mask of adversity, God was shaping Moses to stand before Pharaoh and say, “Let my people go.” Thereafter, Moses led the people out of Israel.

The Apostle Paul spent years inside a prison cell. Yet, his influence has been

great, as he wrote much of the Bible’s New Testament.

After being unfairly treated, Joseph chose to have an optimistic, faithful attitude. In time, God’s purpose became clear, and Joseph was rewarded with overseeing the lands of Egypt, going from a prison to a palace.

And something good can come from the adversity you are now confronting. So, don’t quit.

“You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” (John 13:7).

Thus, trust God for better things to come. And continue to believe and pray bold prayers. That’s what a reader from Sri Lanka did. A while ago, I received an inspiring email from a woman from the island nation south of India in the Indian Ocean.

The resident of Sri Lanka, wrote, “I am writing to tell you I read your column today on God working in impossible situations. It was so encouraging, so thanks so much.” She continued, “I am in such an impossible circumstance. Yet, God gave me a promise some years ago regarding it. I have been getting many indications from the Lord and I am following the instructions He has given in Exodus 14: “Fear not, stand still, and see the deliverance He will do for you.” So, I believe that promise. I am praying big prayers, and I’m excited that He and He alone will deliver this miracle.”

Everything changed when this reader decided she would think positive and believe for better days to come. She did her part and waited on God to do His part. And in the rainforest and arid plains of Sri Lanka, her miracle came to pass.

Accordingly, let’s pray and ask God to give us the strength to endure and face challenges with the right attitude. Through our own personal communication with God, fear and panic can leave and serenity and calmness will take its place. Soon, a solution will become clear, because God gives clarity to our thinking when our mind is focused on Him. So do not give way to discouragement, no matter how severely strained or surrounded by problems you may be. Perhaps, it is dark and cloudy right now. But as you look up, press forward and trust, far above those gloomy clouds, the sun is always shining.

In some cultures, eating a meal with another means, “You are my friend,” and “I’m with you.” That’s how God feels about you. You are “His friend,; His beloved child,” and “He is with you.”

Yes, the trials might come our way. Yet, you won’t face them alone. Our Creator is there to comfort and care for you. So just keep singing, “It is well; it is well” and believe… because with God beside us, all is truly, “well with my soul.”