Horatio Spafford relied on God
Horatio Spafford was a successful lawyer in Chicago. He also enjoyed a close and active relationship with D.L. Moody as well as other evangelical leaders of his day. He was described by those who knew him as "deeply spiritual" and a "devoted student of the Scriptures." His life was consistent with verse one and two of Psalm one. He kept Godly company, not wicked, and he was involved in the Word of God. He also invested heavily in real estate on the shore of Lake Michigan. But this property was destroyed soon after in the Chicago fire of 1871. And just after the disaster, he lost his son to a sudden death. Desiring a rest for wife and four daughters as well as wishing to join Moody and Sankey in one of their campaigns in Great Britain, Horatio Spafford planned a European trip for his family in 1873. In November of that year, due to unexpected last-minute business, he had to remain in Chicago, but je sent his wife and daughters on ahead as scheduled on the S.S. Ville du Havre. He expected to follow them in a few days. On November 22, the ship was struck by an English vessel, the Lochearn, and sank in twelve minutes. Several days later, the survivors arrived at Cardiff, Wales, where Mrs. Spafford cabled home to her husband these words, "Saved alone." Shortly after, Horatio Spafford left by ship to join his bereaved wife. At about the spot where the Ville du Havre went down, he wrote the words to that great hymn, "It is well with my soul."
God comforted Horatio Spafford through his losses and gave him peace and stability.
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