As human beings, we tend to have this inherent belief that things will work out. We operate on the theory that there is a higher being that is always watching over us. What happens though when our belief is shaken? Do we continue to stand firm in our faith or cry out in despair? What does faith in action actually look like? Some of the most well-known hymns provide insight into this.

The hymn ‘It Is Well With My Soul’ was written after Attorney Horatio Spafford and his wife, Anna, experienced a series of losses that began with losing their only son to a sickness. Then the great Chicago Fire of 1871 struck and they incurred heavy losses in their business. Two years later, the Spaffords lost their remaining four children when the ship they were on struck another vessel and drowned. Spafford, who was unable to accompany his wife and children due to pressing business matters, received a telegraph from his wife 9 days later telling him: “Saved alone—what shall I do?” Can you imagine the deep-seated faith Spafford must have had to write these words? “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!”

Joseph Scriven was a young man who was traveling to meet his bride-to-be the day before their wedding. Having completed his education, he was ready to settle down in life with the love of his life. Picture his surprise and devastation when the first scene that greets him is the body of his fiancée who had fallen off her horse over a creek and drowned. Scriven eventually moved on with his life and it seems that fate had favored him once more in love. He met another beautiful woman and was all set to marry her when she fell ill and tragically passed away a mere few weeks before their wedding. Despite his fate, this young man did not rage against God or mourn his loss. Instead, he turned to God and it is during this period in his life that he wrote the hymn: “What a friend we have in Jesus All our sins and griefs to bear And what a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer.”

 Both Spafford and Scriven could have at any point questioned their lot in life. Yet, they do not. How were these men able to remain unshaken in the midst of such tragedy? Perhaps the most simplified response to this question can be found in 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV) which advises us as believers to: 1. Be on our guard because the enemy lies in wait. 2. Be courageous because standing firm in faith is not for the weak-hearted. 3. Be strong because if God has promised us He is for us, who can be against us? Spafford and Scriven knew that it was in these moments when they were being tried and tested, challenged and broken, devastated and defeated that God would see their true character and faithfulness to Him. They also knew without a doubt that, “there [was] a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) and it is this blessed assurance that keeps them praising God even in their darkest hour. It is this promise that allows them to stand unwavering in their faith.