It is Well
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Rom
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
How can ALL things work together for good? Sometime life throws huge problems our way—how could THAT turn into good?
Many years ago, there was a man by the name of Horatio. He was a lawyer in Chicago—married with a big family. He seemed to be living the dream life. But, then a son became sick and died. The Great Chicago Fire ruined his law firm. Four daughters drowned when the ship they were on in the Atlantic sank. Only his wife survived. She sent her husband a telegram after her rescue: “Saved alone! What shall I do?”
As Horatio traveled to meet his wife in Europe, reflecting on the great loses he experienced, he penned these words:
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
Horatio reminds me of a man in the Bible. That man was Job. He was a man of wealth, married with a big family—a man who trusted in God. And then, everything was taken away. His children were killed. He lost all of his possessions. He was afflicted with disease. When he lost everything, this is what he said:
Job 1:
20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Like Horatio, Job demonstrated his faith in God—even in suffering. In fact, Job lived by faith. Even losing everything, he still hung onto God. He said: “I know my redeemer lives.”
As Christians, we need to trust God rather than complain about life or the situation. We must remember that Christians are not exempt from suffering but remind ourselves as Job did that God is a SOVEREIGN God. We must embrace the truth of God’s promise in
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
God has a plan and even though we may suffer for a time; He promises that He has a Great plans for our lives - even during times of suffering.
We must glorify Him in times of trouble with an attitude of praise, taking comfort in the truth found in God’s Word remembering we are not alone. As The Psalmist David wrote
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
When we face troublesome times in life like Horatio and Job did, it is easy to feel alone, but we need to remember God is with us even in the darkest places.
Conclusion:
You may be here today feeling as though you can relate to Job or Horatio. You may be in the darkest place you’ve ever experienced. But I want to encourage you today, to Hold onto God knowing HE is your Redeemer, Remember God has great prosperous plans for you, and He is with you. By demonstrating this kind of faith others will be blessed by your life. Look at today, Millions of people have been blessed by Job’s faith. And your heart will resound with Horatio’s words IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL.