I called my wife in India on the 25th night after returning from a Christmas celebrated at the residence of newly weds in Charlotte, US. I was totally unaware of what was going on at the same time in my homeland, India. My wife told me about the great disaster that had happened. Still I did not get the full picture as it was unbelievable and for a second I thought I was dreaming. I soon got to the Internet to see what this was all about and it hit me hard. I was not even aware of a word called Tsunami! I can imagine if it was some sort of a great storm that had hit the region. I just couldn’t fathom the sea actually coming into the land with all of its might and dragging people back into the sea within minutes.
Two things came to my mind:
Secondly, if I had died in this tragedy, am I ready to stand before God Almighty?
I just remembered the story of Spafford. Spafford was a wealthy businessman until the great Chicago fire of October 1871 ruined him financially. Within a short span he lost all four of his daughters at the Atlantic in a ship collision. His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone." As he traveled to England to comfort his wife, he was able again to gain his strength from God with the verse, "All things work together for good to them that love the Lord" (Rom 8:28) He then penned the words for our favorite hymn "It Is Well with My Soul."
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."
Though Satan should buffet, tho' trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
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.
And, Lord haste the day when the 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.
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
We have come to the end of this great year that had just made it into the history books for witnessing one of the deadliest natural disasters ever.
If you read John 3:16 it is given, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
You will come to know that “God loved the world” and has promised us “Everlasting Life” and the only thing we need to do is to believe in him with all of our heart.
If you have not experienced this great hope of Everlasting Life, I encourage you to say this prayer with me.
"Lord, please save me. Please forgive me of all my sins, which I have done. Thank You for sending your Son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross for my sins. Thank You that He rose from the dead. Jesus, I believe that You are the Lord. Help me to obey Your commandments. Thank You Lord for Your great mercy on me and for your great salvation. In Jesus' Precious Name I pray. Amen."
What a way to start the Year 2005 filled with hope of Christ!
God Bless you. Have a wonderful year, 2005.
- Enoch Stephen