Even in the face of the adversities, God is with us

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Horatio Spafford was a man whose life was full of mishaps. His first crisis was the death of his four-year-old son. Then, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 ruined him financially.

He subsequently planned a trip to Europe with his family. However, he had to send them on ahead while he was to follow later. During the sea voyage, the ship on which his family was passengers collided with another vessel and sank. His four daughters perished in that tragedy.

His wife survived. She sent her husband a telegram, which said in part, “Survived alone …”

Shortly after that tragedy, Horatio sailed to England to join his wife. Historical documents suggest that as he crossed the Atlantic and passed close to the place where his daughters had died, he was inspired to write the hymn, “It Is Well With My Soul.”

Who would think that this man who experienced so many tragedies had a reason to rejoice?

But his faith in God gave him a reason to rejoice.

When we rejoice, it suggests that we have or have been given good news. People seldom rejoice over unpleasant situations. When we are confronted with unpleasant information, we normally lament not celebrate. Some people turn on God complaining that he has visited unpleasantness in their life.

Someone may say, how can I rejoice when a bad situation has entered my life? This year has been a most unpleasant year for many people in the world. Because of this pandemic, many have not worked since the early part of this year.

A significant number of people are out of work and unable to provide for their family. Many have lost their homes and rental apartments while others have experienced financial ruin.

Families have sent their loved ones to hospital and not been able to visit with them, particularly during their last moments before death. Yes, this year has been an unpleasant one for many.

For these reasons and many more, these people, especially those without Christ, would be inclined to say, “I have nothing for which to rejoice.” But notwithstanding these setbacks, we always have a good reason to rejoice.

When the Apostle Paul talks about rejoicing and giving thanks to God, he is talking from experience. During his ministry, which spanned more than 30 years, he was arrested three times, stoned once, beaten three times and shipwrecked three times.

His life was full of unpleasant experiences, yet he rejoiced in the Lord. When he and Silas were arrested and thrown in prison, they sang hymns and prayed.

Yes, in the midst of life’s adversities, we can still rejoice and praise God. We do not have to let the mishaps in life make us bitter. They should make us strong and drive us to the cross of Jesus Christ.

I know a young man whose automobile was destroyed by fire and several days later, he lost his wife in death. This did not make him a bitter man. Instead, he was drawn closer to God.

Horatio Spafford was a man who gave thanks even in the face of adversity. He found a way to praise God in his hymn, “It Is Well With My Soul” even though he was grieving.

Even in the face of the adversities of life, God is with us. He is with us, amidst our troubles. He guides, comforts, and gives us strength and courage to carry on and to endure the vicissitudes of life. Amen.

• Rev. Samuel M. Boodle, pastor at the Lutheran Church of Nassau, 119 John F. Kennedy Drive, can be reached at P.O. Box N 4794, Nassau, Bahamas; or telephone: 426-9084; E-mail: lutheranchurch@coralwave.com; website: https://ift.tt/1mHrNzy.   

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