I made a big mistake yesterday. I watched the news on my computer. One situation after another seemed hopeless until I listened to a small group of Christians from the Ukraine sing: “It is Well with My Soul.”
Horatio Spafford, a prosperous attorney in Chicago wrote that song after losing his four-year-old son, Horatio Spafford Jr. A year later in 1871 while still recovering from the death of his son the Great Fire of Chicago reduced the city to ashes killing 300 and leaving 100,000 homeless while destroying most of Spafford’s investments. They worked for two years to bring healing and hope to the survivors of the fire. The family planned a vacation to England to hear and assist their friend D.L. Moody. Business demands kept Spafford from joining his wife and four daughters on the steamship Ville du Havre. He would join them later.
On November 22, 1873, while crossing the Atlantic the ship was struck by an iron sailing vessel, killing 226 people, including all four of Spafford’s daughters: 11-year-old Anna, 9-year-old Margaret Lee, 5-year-old Elizabeth, and 2-year-old Tanetta. Upon arriving in England, his wife sent a telegram saying, “Saved Alone”. After receiving Anna’s telegram, he immediately left Chicago to be with his grieving wife. On the Atlantic crossing, the captain called to his cabin to tell him they were passing over the spot where his daughters perished. As he looked down at the watery graves he wrote the hymn, “It Is Well With My Soul”.
The devastation going on in Ukraine is far beyond anything we can imagine. But these beautiful Christians look to the God who is greater than their oppressors. Hope-filled my heart as I listened to the Christians in Ukraine sing. Let this song bring Hope for All Christians in Ukraine
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL
When peace like a river attended my way
When sorrow like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
Though Satan should buffet, tho trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
It is well it is well with my soul
A Prayer for Hope for All Christians in Ukraine
My beloved friends. No matter what you are going through, sickness, pain, loss, financial difficulties, or abuse you will make it because God loves you and is greater than your difficulties. With the love of Christ, it truly is, “Well with our soul.” I continue to pray for hope for all Christians in Ukraine. In Jesus’ name, I pray for those in Ukraine and those throughout the world who are suffering. Jesus, you came to heal the broken-hearted, set the captive free, and open the eyes of the blind. Please bring hope and healing to our friends.
Patricia Dascher is the author of Wings of Inspiration available on Amazon.com
