It Is Well with My Soul

In the late 1800s, a man named Horatio Spafford was a successful lawyer and businessman living in Chicago.  He and his wife Anna had five children which they adored, they were active in their church, and they were always welcoming visitors.  Sadly, in 1870, Horatio and Anna’s four-year-old son died of scarlet fever. 

A year later the great fire swept through their city and many of the properties Horatio and his wife owned were destroyed.  Their wealth was decimated.

In 1873 Horatio decided the family should go on holiday to England.  However, because he still had a bit of work to do, he sent his wife and four daughters ahead.  The steamship they were on sank, and the four daughters (aged 11, 9, 5 and 2) also died.

Amazingly, upon hearing the news, Horatio wrote the song “It Is Well with My Soul”.

I am astounded by this man’s faith and courage in the face of so much tragedy – but I am reminded of stories my sister Mindy told me when she was active in the Marine Corps.

At one point she was a CACO (Casualty Assistance Calls Officer), responsible for notifying the families of those killed in action.  I remember her telling me there was a marked difference between those who had faith and believed that this life was NOT the end, and those whose existence was confined to their time on Earth.

If you google “Bible life after death” you’ll get a bunch of verses where we’re told THIS WORLD IS NOT THE END for those who believe in Jesus.  Examples include:

  • ·         John 3:16
  • ·         Luke 23:43
  • ·         Romans 6:23
  • ·         Matthew 10:28

When we know this…REALLY KNOW THIS, I think we can face life, illness, and even death with an unprecedented sense of peace.


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