The hymn, " When Peace Like a River Attendeth My Way," was written by Spafford who faced two titanic tragedies in his life. In the devastating Chicago fire in the late 1800’s where more than 300 people perished and 100,000 people were left homeless, Spafford, a very rich business man, lost his entire fortune. 2 years later, even before this loss could sink in, a second tragedy struck. Spafford's wife and daughters were crossing the Atlantic to join Moody, the famed evangelist, for an Evangelistic campaign, when their ship collided with another ship. Four of his daughters died in the disaster. Fortunately his wife survived. As Spafford travelled to join his mourning wife, his ship sailed past the point where his daughters drowned. His heart was moved by the Holy Spirit to compose one of the classic Christian hymns on peace with God.
This hymn has brought solace to many Christians who face tragedies in life. Over time the words get ingrained in our hearts and minds and build a fortress of protection from despair and doubt.
This everlasting peace fills our hearts with blessed hope for a time when Christ shall return and our faith will become reality.
Does this mean that Spafford was never discouraged or disheartened? Surely he must have felt every nerve in his body tearing him apart with grief as he came to terms with the death of his daughters and the loss of his livelihood. What enabled him to cross this bridge? What made him accept the Lord’s prayer, “Thy will be done” and say “It is well with my soul”?
It is faith in Christ that spurred Spafford on to help the poor people who suffered in the fire in Chicago. He realized that material things do not bring true peace. It is living a life devoted to one's calling and purpose that brings peace between God and humanity. It is by forging relationships with people in need and with God that one can sense this everlasting peace. When we bring the knowledge of Christ to God's children we are overwhelmed with a peace that surpases all understanding.
Later Spafford sensed a calling to move to Jerusalem with his wife and two daughters, born after the shipwreck tragedy. He founded the Jerusalem Colony whose mission is to serve the poor and needy.
Are we inspired by the faith of those who face tragedies in their life? Or do we avoid them? Do we find it hard to believe that a loving God will allow tragedies to happen in the lives of his children? Did people stay away from Spafford because of his misfortunes? Did Spafford leave Chicago because he felt he was not wanted? Or did he do so out of the realization that there were people in Jerusalem who were not being adequately looked after? Did Christ send him as a messenger of peace to Jerusalem?
The Spafford family suffered tremendously but remained faithful to God. They were at peace with God and hence could be peacemakers for God in Chicago and Jerusalem.
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