When you get to Africa, there will be a man that greets you and you will be at peace. In that moment you will be able to say “it is well.”
These were words spoken over my life. Words from the man at starbucks way back in April that helped me start this journey. Those words he spoke, meant more to me than he will ever know.
There’s a song I’ve always struggled with singing. It’s an old hymn called “it is well” Familiar with it? It’s fairly popular and sung in many churches. Growing up though, I would just mouth the words but not really mean it.
Why? You might ask. Well, I thought, how can I say “it is well with my soul” if in reality I’m struggling, there are many trials in life and I’m sinning daily against a Holy God?
When I started living my life for the Lord things were and still are not perfect. I still mess up, sin and struggle like any human being does daily. So how can I say “it is well?” Then someone told me the backstory to that song.
The man who wrote it, Horatio Spafford LITERALLY just lost his wife AND kids to a terrible ship accident. WHAT? I thought. In the midst of his trials he still said “it is well” Why?
He knew that his soul condition was separate from his circumstances. He knew his sin was washed clean with Jesus taking his place on the cross. His relationship with God is where he had true joy and peace, despite the trials.
People have asked me if there is a good God than why do problems happen? Great question. Yeah I agree, there are a lot of things in life that have come as difficulties and I’ve questioned “God where are you?” or “Why is this happening?” It makes sense. But I do know this….
Iin John 16:33 Jesus says “in this world you WILL have trouble, BUT take heart, I overcame the world.” Jesus overcame and with a relationship with Him so can we!
When I stepped off the plane and into the airport my team and I met our missionary host we are staying with. Moses was his name. On the ride to his house I asked “Moses what can you tell us about Malawi?” and one of the first things he said was
”You can be at peace because we are a people of peace.” It was in that moment that I knew I could say “it is well.” Despite trials that may come, Jesus is true joy and peace and it is well with my soul.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4
