PLEASE NOTE: Due to technical problems over the last while I have had great difficulty in posting, accessing my posts or replying. I will be doing some upgrading shortly that will hopefully improve my computer. skypilot
Read Job Chapter 1
One of my favourite hymns is entitled IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL written by H.G. Spafford (1828-1888), composed by P.P. Bliss (1838-1876). This hymn was written as a result of great tragedy that befell Mr Spafford and his family. During the great Chicgico fire his house burned down. Two days prior to this his house insurance had expired. Then his business went under and he had to work hard to rebuild his business which took a few years. Then the greatest tragedy of all. The Spaffords had planned a vacation to Paris, France. Since there were some business matters to settle it was decided that Mrs. Spafford and the children would sail on and Mr Spafford would follow a week later and join them. As Mrs Spafford and her children sailed across the Atlantic their ship rammed into another ship. Though Mrs. Spafford surrived the children all drowned. Mr. Spafford set sail immediately after receiving the tragic news and as he stood at the railing of the ship the Captain came and informed him they were now at the location where his children had perished. With a heart overflowing with grief he turned from the railing and returned to his stateroom. As he stat there pondering his terrible loss he took pen and paper and wrote;
When peace like a river attendeth my way,When sorrows like
sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Though hast taught me to say,
"It is well with my soul."
A few years later P.P. Bliss put music to the above which in turn became a very popular hymn. Shortly after Mr. Bliss composed the music he and his wife were killed in a train crash in Ohio.
Job lost everything his wealth, his livilihood, his children and for awhile his health. His wife demanded to know why he didn't just give on God, his closest friends told him that because he had sinned against God he was being punished. What Job didn't know was that God was allowing Job to be tested by Satan, to prove to Satan that Jod loved and trusted God by choice not by force. Job struggled with doubts and questions. God revealled to Job that HE, not Job or anybody was still in control. Jod's response? "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth." Job 19:25. In James 1:2:ff " Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you that the testing of your faith developes perseverence..." Several years ago I experienced some problems that discouraged me so much I was about ready to give up. I could not see any light at the end of my tunnel. Due to a mix up in my immigration problems I missed a year of Bible College, I couldn't find a job, I couldn't find a decent place to live. For weeks I pounded the streets of the city I lived in totaly discouraged . Then one day I received a telegram and all it said was "count it all joy." Underneath were the the 28 signitures of my class and the teacher's. As I read this message I felt a heavy weight lifted off of my shoulders and tears of joy and relief flowed freely. In three days I had a full time job after one month I had received a pay raise and the following year I returned to Bible College. In Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday,and today and forever." Each one of us have experienced problems, troubles...challenages in life that has tested our faith in Christ. Like a tree that is planted by the waters (Psalms 1:3) we remain firm and strong in the Lord. Never give up beloved friend, Christ is always there to strengthen us, to comfort us with His love. He answers our prayers even when we feel like we are in our darkest moments. He NEVER changes The way He helped Job, James, Mr. Spafford and countless others He still helps those who are His followers.
Remember I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Phil.4:13
Edward (skypilot)
Next: Paul
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