As part of the worship this past week at Fuel, Dominique briefly recounted the events of the life of Horatio Spafford.

Horatio Spafford was a prominent lawyer and activist in the late nineteenth century. His father had had a writing relationship with Thomas Jefferson before his death and Horatio had earned his own rite in the legal profession in Chicago. He was heavily involved in his church and was an outspoken abolitionist.

During his career, he heavily invested in real estate, particularly in what is now the city center of Chicago. On October 8th, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire swept through the city killing 250 and destroying everything that Horatio had built. In order to escape the events in Chicago which had left him financially devastated, he decided to take his family and spend time in Europe. When they reached New York, Horatio was delayed by urgent business and sent his wife and four daughters ahead of him. Their ship was struck by another and sank catastrophically – killing over 300. All four of Horatio Spafford's daughters died at sea while traveling to get away from a fire which had destroyed his livelihood.

While on the journey to reconvene with his wife, he wrote these words:

When peace like a river attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea-billows roll,

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to know:

"It is well, it is well with my soul."

Tho' Satan should buffet, tho' trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed his own blood for my soul.

I imagine those things in life which I have lost. I remember how much more important each one was to me after I lost it. This man lost more in life than I have. He lost more in life than I will ever have. When Jesus comforts his disciples before his death, he leaves them with the promise of Peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 

Though the way of the world rises and falls, we remain confident in the assurance of His control. All is well with our souls.In Christ,

Spencer