Since first hearing the Hymn, "It is Well With My Soul," I loved the song. For as long as I can remember, I have been one who was more moved by worship music than preaching. Though that has begun to change in my life, this song is still very meaningful to me.
When I heard the story behind the song and it's author, my love for the song only grew. To know that this man had lost his family on a sinking ship in the high seas was overwhelming to me. I often tried to put myself in his place. I wondered what it would be like to lose everything dear to you, and still pour out your life in worship to the Savior.
I have often reflected on this in my adult life. Perhaps I have reflected on this more over the last year or so. I did not come close to losing everything dear to me. My wife and two wonderful daughters bring me so much joy. I know I write primarily about BJ, but that is because he is the inspiration and purpose behind this site. It is truly not that I care more about him than I do my girls...all three of them.
Do I love Jesus enough to pour my life out as a worship offering if I lost them too? Job did. The author of this song did. I know that some would not, but I tell you honestly that we have heard from many who felt they could not carry on if they had undergone our circumstances. I do not know if that is true or not.
I do know that if Jesus is the main thing in your life, then your life is already a love offering to Him. If it isn't, then change needs to occur. We encounter many things in life that we do not understand. When we were young, it was common for many of us to take on a "I'll take my toys and go home," attitude when things did not go our way.
As you grow in Christ, He prepares you for specific paths. Paths that may not be illuminated to you now, but will become clear as you draw nearer to them. If Jesus is enough to call on as Savior and Lord, at the point the Holy Spirit brings conviction in your life, why would He cease to be enough when the storm clouds began to brew?
He is sufficient to deliver you through whatever happens in this life. In 2 Cor. 1:8, Paul wrote, "We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life." My family and I certainly walked out these words. We understood their meaning in ways we did not think were possible.
The return of joy in our lives we thought would never come. Still that joy seems to abandon us from time to time. But body of Christ, His grace is sufficient. Where He leads you, He will give you the ability at the very least to collapse into his arms. His love for you is truly incomprehensible at times. When it seems He has discarded you, in truth, He is with you. He still has authority over your circumstances, and he remains present...always.
Keep your eyes on Him.
There are two families at present (and many more I am sure) that are in need of your prayer support and encouragement. They are walking the long dark valley of the shadow of death, and fear does lurk. Please lift them up.
Vince was in an accident and stopped breathing for several minutes. It is unclear whether or not He knows Jesus. Please visit www.pray4vince.com and encourage this family.
Karen is also in the hospital. She was having breathing difficulties, and has now been put on life support. Her husband is weary, and needs your prayer support.
Thank you for lifting these before the King of Kings!
dad
5 Comments:
Thanks.
Brent,
Thank you for posting a prayer request for Karen!
The lung biopsy indicates BOOP which can be treated. So please pray that the treatment will work and that she will be cured of this disease. She isn't awake yet since they have kept her sedated but I know she & Mark will be very grateful that people were praying for them!!
I will be praying for Vince and his family.
Thank you again and God bless!
Tammy
Thank you for continuing to write. God touches me through you -- thank you for being a willing vessel.
I find it difficult to visit here, many days. My daily trip to your site was very much a standard part of my every day since over a year ago when I first heard of BJ. Since losing our precious baby Corbin, it's often a struggle to resume the "typical" parts of my days that aren't so "typical" anymore.
Your faithful service to the King is a blessing. I leave in three weeks to travel to China and another closed country in Southeast Asia for three weeks to serve missionary families and help them in their local ministries. Please pray that the cups of those on the front lines every day in very challenging locations will be uplifted and their cups refilled by God through us.
Lattany
Fairfax, VA, USA
Praying for Vince and Karen and for you and your family, Lattany, as you all adjust to the "new normal." May your time in Asia prove to be one of His healing grace in your own life as well as those you serve.
To go with your musical theme, Brent, here are some words from another classic:
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
with tender love
and prayers in pink,
Marti
Marti,
thanks for posting this beautiful, timeless hymn with a message too easy to forget in this crazy time of ours.
Lattany, I know the Lord will be with you during your travels and that this time will be a balm for your own pain.
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