It is well with my soul

The past two weeks have been quite eventful for me. I've learnt how transient life can be and how in a few hours, someone's life can be changed drastically by a massive heart attack that would also change other people's and his family's lives forever. 

I've learnt that there is a time, place and space for us but that beyond a certain point, God's sovereignty resides. I've seen a mother being brave even when her only son was fighting for his life, and a dear friend praying hard for her boyfriend to pull through. And I've had to respond to her question: "What will I do if he dies?".

I've learnt the poverty of speech and the richness of silence. I've learnt that there will always be more questions than answers. I've learnt that even as we hope for the best, we also have to be prepared for the worst. I've learnt how thinly life hangs on us. 

I've learnt that sometimes, we have to step up not only because we want to but also because we should. I've learnt how powerful the testimony of Christian fellowship can be. I've learnt that one can get too exhausted very quickly and that one needs to rest. I've learnt that even in the darkest of dark times God is there, even though the outcome was not what we had desired or prayed fervently for. 

When I reflected on all this tonight, I was reminded of the hymn "It is well with my soul". I went online to look for the story behind the hymn, and it led me to a man and his wife whose trust in the Lord was unwavering and steadfast in the face of personal tragedy. 

I pray that God will give me the faith that can enable me to sing and declare the words of that beautiful hymn in all circumstances:

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.