Peace and Purpose

One day while folding clothes, I listened to the story behind the hymn written by Horatio Spafford. His life is a powerful testimony of how Gods peace can comfort us even in the midst of our greatest trials and sorrow. In 1871, he lost his only son—the first of five children. Just months later, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed all his investments and savings. Two years after that, while his wife and four daughters were traveling to Europe, their ship was struck by another vessel and sank in only twelve seconds. His four daughters drowned.

Yet in the midst of unimaginable grief, while sailing over the very spot where his daughters perished, this man of God penned one of the most beloved hymns of all time: “It Is Well with My Soul.” Eight years later, he and his wife moved to Jerusalem to serve the people there, sharing Christ with both Muslims and Jews.

As I reflected on Horatio’s testimony, the Lord began to put things into perspective. I realized that our circumstances do not determine our future, because Lamentations 3:22–24 reminds us that His mercies are new every morning. Praise God for that truth. But I also believe that our circumstances are often the very tools God uses to shape us toward the purpose He has prepared for us.

So whatever you may be facing right now, remember this: God has a greater plan and a greater purpose. We may not understand it in the middle of our trials, but we can still trust that it is true. We know this because His Word—His promises—tell us so. And we know we serve a Savior who always keeps His promises.

Dear Lord,

I pray Ephesians 1:17–18 over anyone walking through illness, sickness, divorce, battles, struggles, or challenges of any kind. I ask that You give them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation  in the knowledge of who you are, having the eyes of their hearts enlightened, that they may know what is the hope to which You have called them, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. In Jesus name…amen.