September
11 2018
Php
4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I
am sure you have heard this story. That's OK, I will share it again.
The
PEACE that God gives is without understanding!
Horatio
Spafford (1828-1888). Placed his trust in God during his life. He was
a prominent Chicago lawyer, who’s business was thriving. He owned
several properties throughout the city. He and his beloved wife had
four beautiful daughters and one son. Life was more than good — it
was blessed.
But
faith, no matter how great, does not spare us from adversity.
Just
as Horatio hit the pinnacle of his profession and financial success,
things began to change. It began with the tragic loss of their son.
Not long thereafter, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed nearly every
real estate investment Horatio owned.
Just
a few years later in 1873, Horatio decided to treat his wife and
daughters to a much needed escape from the turmoil. He sent them on a
boat trip to Europe, with plans to join them shortly after wrapping
up some business in Chicago. Just a few days later, he received a
dreadful telegram from
his wife, “Saved alone…” It bore the excruciating news that
family’s ship had wrecked and all four of his daughters had
perished.
Horatio
was on his way to meet his heartbroken wife, passing over the same
sea that had just claimed the lives of his remaining children. It was
then that he put his pen to paper and the timeless hymn was born,
beginning with the words:
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.
You
can sing along with a lot of different versions on you-tube.