Horatio G. Spafford was a successful lawyer and businessman in Chicago with a lovely family - a wife, Anna, and five children. However, they were not strangers to tears and tragedy. Their young son died with pneumonia in 1871, and in that same year, much of their business was lost in the great Chicago fire. Yet, God in His mercy and kindness allowed the business to flourish once more.On Nov. 21, 1873, a French ocean liner was crossing the Atlantic from the U.S. to Europe with 313 passengers on board. Among the passengers were Mrs. Spafford and their four daughters. Although Horatio had planned to go with his family, he found it necessary to stay in Chicago to help solve an unexpected business problem. He told his wife he would join her and their children in Europe a few days later. His plan was to take another ship.About four days into the crossing of the Atlantic, the French ship collided with a powerful, iron-hulled Scottish ship. Suddenly, all of those on board were in grave danger. Anna hurriedly brought her four children to the deck. She knelt there with Annie, Margaret Lee, Bessie and Tanetta and prayed that God would spare them if that could be His will, or to make them willing to endure whatever awaited them. Within approximately 12 minutes, the ship sank beneath the dark waters of the Atlantic, carrying with it 226 of the passengers including the four Spafford children.Anna was floating on a piece of debris and was rescued by a life boat. They were picked up by a larger boat and taken to Wales. From there, Anna sent a telegram to her husband informing him of the devastating news.Mr. Spafford booked passage on the next available ship and left to join his grieving wife. With the ship about four days out, the captain called Spafford to his cabin and told him they were over the place where his children went down. While on the journey he wrote the words of a beloved hymn.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.When I read this story I was reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul found in Philippians 4:7 - “And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, shall keep your hearts, your minds through Christ Jesus.”There is a peace that comes from God that surpasses understanding. Even when we can’t possibly understand the circumstances of life, there is a peace that God can give. This peace protects our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.Can I ask you a question: Is it well with your soul? Life is full of ups and downs, mountain top experiences and also the valleys.  We battle temptations, trials, obstacles, stress, physical illness, financial hardships, difficulties in our relationships, and pressure on every side.Yet, in spite of it all, we can experience a peace so beautiful that it causes us to recognize that it is well with our soul. It is well between me and God.Paul talks about this amazing peace we can experience. It is a peace from God. It is a gift. Peace is not the absence of problems. We can experience God’s peace during our problems.It’s also a peace with God. Because of Jesus’ death and the salvation it brings, we now can have peace with God. Our relationship has been restored. There is nothing that would separate us.Charles Spurgeon said “God’s peace is the unruffled serenity of the infinitely-happy God, the eternal composure of the absolutely well-contented God.”Today’s Challenge: Is it well with your soul? There is a calm assurance we can find when we bring every need to God. This peace will guard your heart and mind. I believe if you ask God for it, he will provide.

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