It Is Well With My Soul

I got the call as I was walking to my car after church service, my list in hand for the last minute details needed for my daughters 4th birthday party. This morning her teenaged daughter died in a very tragic car accident. Killed instantly. Immediatley I searched for ways to offer comfort. Nothing seemed good enough. I could be available, I could watch kids, I could cook or clean, or just hug her and help her cry. But Lord how could I possibly comfort her?

The devotion I had been preparing for Tuesday suddenly made sense.

The hymn entitled "It Is Well With My Soul" was written by a man named Horatio Spafford in 1873. This prominent lawyer and businessman from Chicago knew tragedy, he lived it. In 1871 his only son died at the age of four from scarlet fever, later he lost everything in the Great Chicago Fire, ruining him financially. Aware of the toll that these disasters had taken on his family, Horatio decided to take his wife and four daughters along with him to help DL Moody in England during an evangelstic tour as well as enjoy some time of rest. However, just before boarding the ship in New York, a last minute business development forced him to delay. Rather than ruining the familys holiday he urged them to go on ahead and he would follow shortly.

On November 2, 1873 their ship collided with an english vessel. It sank in 12 minutes, claiming the lives of 226 people. Anna Spafford had stood bravely on the deck with her daughters Annie, Maggie, Bessie, and Tanetta clinging desparately to her. Her last memory was of her baby being ripped violently from her arms by the forceful waters. Anna was saved only by a floating plank supporting her unconcious body.

Horatio received a telegram from Anna that read; "Saved Alone, What shall I do?" As he journeyed to meet his grieving wife, he passed over the location where his daughters had died, and was inspired to write the words to this now timeless, classic hymn.
My most favorite line reads; 'No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life, thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.'

Philipians 4:7 reminds me that; 'The peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus'.
I can't say that my faith could be as strong as Mr. Spaffords, but I am encouraged and inspired by his demonstration. I cannot say for sure that I could live through such tribulation, but I know that God, who sustained them, would also sustain me.