Faith in Christ versus Atheism

During the time of sleeplessness in dealing with Alanna's suicide I spent time praying.
While praying the Holy Spirit brought the name of Horatio Spafford to mind.

Horatio Spafford was a 43 year old lawyer. He lived in a north side suburb of Chicago with his wife and four children.

In 1871, his only son died.

A few months later, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 consumed Spafford's real estate investments. He lost his entire life savings.

Two years later, Spafford and his family decided to take a vacation to Europe. Spafford was delayed by last minute business.

He sent his wife and four daughters on the SS Ville du Havre as scheduled, promising to follow in a few days.

On November 22 1873, the ship was struck by an iron sailing vessel, and it sank in twelve minutes. 226 people lost their lives,including Spafford's daughthers.

When the survivors of the shipwreck landed in Europe, Spafford's wife Anna cabled her husband, "Saved alone. What shall I do?

Spafford immediately left Chicago to bring his wife home.

In the midst of his sorrow,he requested that the captain sail near the place of his daughters death, which was granted. There he wrote the words that became the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul"

1. 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. 
Refrain:
 It is well with my soul, 
 it is well, it is well with my soul. 

2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, 
 let this blest assurance control, 
 that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, 
 and hath shed his own blood for my soul. 
 (Refrain) 

3. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! 
 My sin, not in part but the whole, 
 is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, 
 praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! 
 (Refrain) 

4. And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, 
 the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; 
 the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, 
 even so, it is well with my soul. 
 (Refrain) 

---

In spite of their tragedy, in 1881, the Spaffords moved to Jerusalem to meet the needs of the Muslim and Jewish communities there as missionaries.


We sang this song in church last Sunday. I have known the history so the song has only held a special place in my heart. I found a youtube video of the song with the Spafford story.

This song written by what Jessica Sideways calls a delusional person gives me peace in this troubled time in my life.

What does this atheist non-faith offer me for peace and comfort?

NOTHING.

If I am delusional.... GOOD!!!

Belief in the reality of Christ is what will get me through this time of sorrow.

Bronx cheer to Jessica