When Faced with Unbelievable Grief - The Story of 'It is Well with My Soul'


Continued from our September newsletter…

(Please ask for the newsletter here.)


When Faced with Unbelievable Grief – the Story of ‘It is Well with My Soul’


Continued…

The small family later moved to Jerusalem, to found the American Colony (as the suburb is still called today), where they helped the poor and the sick, and shared with people the Jesus they believed in. They were held in high esteem by everyone, Jews, Arabs and foreigners, and helped in some small way to prepare for the day when more Jews would again live in Israel than anywhere else…

(The Americon Colony used to be inside the walls of the Old City, but the newer suburb (since the 1950s) is now just outside.)

The lives and tragedies of the Spaffords are sermons to us. Many Christians have left church and faith and turned away from God at times of trouble, losing a child or a parent. But the Spaffords showed that their faith was real to start with, and they survived the test. Not only was Horatio Spafford’s commitment strong, but his trust in his God is showed by the fact that, when confronted with unspeakable pain, he did what King David did when he was depressed or grieved: turn to God and take your hurt and pain and emotion to him.

Whether you’re going through tough times, are struggling financially, or have lost a child, or someone dear, let such spur you on to increase the intimacy of your relationship with Him who loves you. You have no one else. His is your Rock and safe protection.

To us, who live in a world where there must always be someone to blame if something goes wrong, a world where pain and discomfort can always be doctored away, the lives of Horatio and Anna Spafford are testimonies to the fact that true faith can withstand and grow from the greatest sorrow.

And that for those who stand in the Sovereignty of the Almighty, and truly trust our Father, there is a hope that no pain or suffering can silence.

For David Pawson’s message, 'Why Does God Allow Suffering', order from us here.

(For more on the Three Tenors concert (‘Three Tenors Live in Bath’) where this song was sung, go here.)