Trials and struggles have a way of shaping and forming us... they also show weaknesses. When going through a struggle I find myself sad and disappointed that I couldn't handle the trial, temptation, adversity, etc. better than I did. I quickly realize that my eyes were never meant to be on me during that time anyway. My eyes are meant to be on Jesus! Horatio Spafford was a modern day Job. He lost his son at the age of 2, followed by financial ruin after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 in which the successful lawyer was heavily invested in real estate. Later came an economic down turn in 1873. Spafford was then planning a trip to Europe with his family; however, zoning issues were delaying him so he sent his wife and kids on as scheduled, and decided he would come later. While crossing the Atlantic, the SS Ville du Havre sank rapidly after collision with another ship killing all 4 of his daughters. Spafford`s wife, Anna, survived and sent a now famous telegram "Saved alone...". While Spafford was crossing the Atlantic to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write the words to the song 'It Is Well with My Soul'. At the end of the Book of Job, we find Job fully repentant and fully restored by God. "Job answered God : 'I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans. You asked, ‘Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?’ I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head. You told me, ‘Listen, and let me do the talking. Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.’ I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears! I’m sorry—forgive me. I’ll never do that again, I promise! I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor'.” Job 42:1-6 The Messge When you go through a trial or hardship, remember the winds and waves still know His name. Our eyes aren't meant to be on us... we were created to trust and be in relationship with Jesus. God doesnt want us to live on crusts of heresay or crumbs of rumor about Him. He wants us to know him and be known by him. Only then can we say... it is well!
- EUM Team
