We read often about the great heros of faith in the Bible and sometimes without really trying to do it we develop a mind set that somehow they were different, stronger maybe, but different. After all, they are Bible characters! The truth of the matter is, they were just as human as we are and they also had to live by faith and apply the principles of the word just as we do.

I believe, because of this fact, it is important for us to hear testimony of what the Lord has done and is doing in lives today. It makes a bold statement to those around us that God is still on the throne and His promises are still true. It reminds us that the same miracle working power of God that is demonstrated for us in the Word is still taking place each and every day in the lives of ordinary people just like you and me.

If you've been a Christian for any length of time at all, you are no doubt familiar with that great hymn "It is well with my soul." Ever since I read the story of how this great hymn came to be, it has become one of my favorites. The one who wrote the words to this great song was Horatio G. Spafford and was described by a fellow song writer as "a man of unusual intelligence and refinement, deeply spiritual, and a devoted student of the scripture."

I believe his devotion to God's Word and his great love for the Lord is what birthed this great song. In spite of the tragic, overwhelming circumstances that he and his wife went through, he was still able to give glory to God.

In 1870, Horatio Spafford had become a very successful Chicago lawyer. He had a wife named Anna and five children. Early in 1871 tragedy struck as their son died suddenly, which naturally caused the family great sorrow and grief. As the family was reeling from this terrible emotional blow, the infamous Chicago fire of 1871 broke out and brought much of the city to ruin.

Horatio Spafford had done very well for himself financially and had invested in Chicago real estate quite heavily and this great catastrophe wiped out all of his holdings and needless to say, he suffered a tremendous financial loss which served as a second emotional blow to the family.

In true Chiristian form, instead of sinking inward and focusing on their own pain and suffering, the Spafford's opened their home and reached out to many who had become homeless during the devesation of the great fire, and were very instrumental in helping the devastated thousands who had nowhere to turn gain housing.

Soon after getting their lives back to some resemblance of normalcy, and seeking a much needed rest with his family, Horatio was desireous to take advantage of an opportunity to help his dear friend D.L. Moody in an evangelical campaign overseas. Together with his wife and four daughters, the Spafford's booked passage for Great Britain in 1873. However, due to some last minute business dealings that needed his immediate attention, Horatio sent his family on ahead as he planed to join up with them just as soon as he was able.

The ship that his family was sailing on was the S.S. Ville du Harve. On November 22nd, in the midst of the Atlantic, their ship was struck by another ship, the Lochearn, an English vessel, and it sank within twelve minutes. Many days later the survivors were finally landed in Wales, and Mrs. Spafford sent a cable to her husband that simply read, "Saved alone."

Within twelve short minutes a third emotional blow struck as the family was forever changed as all four daughters were lost, leaving Horatio and Anna alone and childless. Having received the devastating news, Horatio Spafford booked passage to England where he eventually rejoined his wife. Together they began the arduous task of attempting to somehow put their shattered lives back together.

On their return trip to America many months later, somewhere in the midst of the Atlantic one somber night, the engines of the ship went silent. Shortly thereafter, there was a knock upon the cabin door and Mr. Spafford was asked to come to the bridge where the Captain would like to have a word.

Upon entering the bridge, the Captain informed Mr. Spafford that they were sitting at the exact spot where his daughters had drowned and that he and the crew wanting to pay their respects, would have a moment of silence. Mr. Spafford later related how he had been trying so hard to get past the pain and anguish, and in the Captains moment of kindness he was once again confronted with the great devastation and overwhelming pain he was trying so hard to escape from.

As he returned to his cabin, it is there that he penned the lines to that great hymn. The true comforting power of the Holy Spirit's work is evident in the midst of the great storm of emotions that were present in this man's life as one reads the opening line to the song which depicts the great trial he was facing at this time of his life. "When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll..." is a direct reference to the tragedy.

How does a man who within three years had lost all of his children, a son and now his four daughters, as well as his previous financial loss continue to go forward in life without totally caving in and giving up? I think the following words of the song give a clue to the answer to that question, "whatever my lot thou hast taught me to say "It is well, it is well with my soul." Growth and maturity stemming from his personal relationship and daily walk with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Yes, it was the realization of the comforting, never ending presence of God that carried him through, and the wisdom to recognize that his God was bigger than any circumstance that could ever come his way.

We have a holiday called Thanksgiving that we celebrate every November here in the United States, when we pause and reflect on what we are to be greatful for. But we as Christians need to be thankful continually, everyday for what we have and who we are in Christ. I love the scripture found in 1Thessalonians 5:18; "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Notice that this is the will of God for you. It did not say give thanks "for" everything, but in the midst of, or you could say it this way, in spite of the circumstances - give thanks. Give thanks for the Lord's presence and power that is always with us, His comfort and His ability to bring about good out of dire devastation.

When we do this, we are exercising the highest form of faith. In a sense we are saying, "I may not understand what is going on, but one thing I do know; You Lord are with me. I am your child and you are my God, and you will never ever leave me nor forsake me." It is a form of recognition of His Lordship over our lives that says, "I trust you Lord that you have my best interest at heart, and I know you will get me through this."

Placing the focus on God's grace, mercy and provision opens the door for His miraculous overcoming power to carry you through to victory. Praise is the highway that faith moves it's blessing down. The Spafford's continued in life with their focus on the Lord and God graciously granted them more children. They went on to do great things in ministry in Israel touching many, many lives, reaching out to those who were in need and comforting those who were hurting just as the Lord had comforted them. The Spafford's themselves could have went down in the shipwreck of defeat and discouragement and drown in the sea of grief and sorrow, but instead they chose to give glory to God as they remembered the key to victorious living and a life of bountiful blessing... "In everything give thanks."

Dan Downey
All Rights Reserved (c)
Dan Downey 2000

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."

Tho' Satan should buffet, tho' trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed his own blood for my soul.

My sin - oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin - not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross and I bear it no more;
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh, my soul.

And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend-
"Even so - it is well with my soul."

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live,
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou shalt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

Scan of original text of song

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