An Act of Faith
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord,
the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me,
but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
II Timothy 4:7–8 niv
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.” These words are from the well-known hymn “It Is Well with My Soul,” penned by Horatio Gates Spafford after experiencing great tragedy in his life. Spafford and his wife, Anna, had five children: four daughters and a son. At age four, their son died suddenly of scarlet fever. Only two years later, a trip to England was planned for the family, but Spafford was delayed in leaving, due to business demands. Anna and the girls went on with Spafford’s blessing, and he would join as soon as he possibly could. While crossing the Atlantic on their steamship, Ville du Havre, their vessel was struck by an iron sailing ship and sank. All four of Horatio Spafford’s daughters lost their lives. Miraculously, Anna survived.
After hearing of the devastating news of his daughters, yet hopeful to reconnect with his wife, Spafford began his seaward journey. While traveling, he was informed by the captain that their vessel was crossing over the exact spot where the Ville du Havre had sunk. This is when it is said that Spafford stopped, remembering the love he shared with his four beautiful daughters, and began to pen the words to “It Is Well with My Soul.”
Spafford’s story of unbearable pain and suffering, mingled with unwavering faith and unexplainable peace, gives one a perfect image of II Corinthians 5:7: “Our life is lived by faith. We do not live by what we see in front of us” (paraphrase). But it’s so much easier to look at what’s in front of you, right? When we face certain trials, tragedies, and devastating loss, it’s human nature to see what is in front of us and sometimes think God is far away or has forgotten us. Yet, He is near and even promises to never leave us or forsake us. It’s a promise. God is where you are right now. Whether in the middle of a tragedy or in the middle of a celebration, God is there with you.
When we don’t know what else to do, we can trust in the promises of God. Sometimes it helps to say them out loud. Here are a few examples: God promises that nothing can separate you from Him (Romans 8:38–39); God promises to be with you (Joshua 1:5, 9); God promises eternal life (John 3:16). One way to look at faith is giving to God what we don’t know or understand because He knows everything, and we can trust Him to do what’s best.
A faith like this is the only way Horatio Spafford, after such horrific loss, could have written lyrics expressing a sense of well-being during such a time of profound grief. Truly, God gives a peace that surpasses all understanding. He is a faithful God.
*Excerpt “Faith Love Forgiveness” by Susan Goss