“Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul”
Earlier this week I just felt moved to read up on Ellen G. White. As I read her life story, I realized that though she was and is a great author and prophetess her life from an early age was never all roses. This great woman whose many writings we have read and admired, from an early age, suffered great misfortune. Just at the age of 9, she was struck by a rock that would forever change her course of life. That rock left her nose disfigured and in a coma for 3weeks.
Like Ellen, many of us have suffered great misfortune. Some of us have been retrenched from our jobs and are now jobless for life. Some of us have lost our good health and succumbed to great diseases like cancer and AIDS. Some of us have lost our dearly beloved to death and even life itself. Some of us have had relationship break downs and fall-outs with loved ones.
Just like Ellen we have suffered great misfortune. We have lost something vital to us. Many a time these losses are very untimely. They happen when we least expect them. For Ellen, she was only 9 years old before we can say she had even lived life, but still, it dealt its blow on her.
As I read on about her life, I came upon a statement that made all the difference. It was a bright spark; it touched me deeply. I guess it was after years of wallowing in self-pity, anger, throwing daggers at God and feeling sorry for herself, Ellen was converted and this is what she said,
“This misfortune which for a time seemed bitter and was hard to bear, has proved to be a blessing in disguise. The cruel blow which blighted the joys of earth, was the means of turning my eyes to heaven. I might never have known Jesus; had not the sorrows that clouded my early years, led me to seek comfort in him.”
Many of us when misfortune strikes spend a lot of time blaming God for the blow we have been dealt with. But eventually, it came to Ellen that, had it not been for her misfortune, she would have never known God. Had it not been for her misfortune, she would never have had reason to turn to Him. Had it not been for her pain, she would never have known that there’s comfort in Jesus. She would never have known that there’s a blessing in the storm. She would never have known that for every test there’s a testimony. She would never have known what it means to drop the pain and live for Jesus instead.
Today I have learnt that what ever misfortune has struck you, what ever blow life has dealt you; remember, like Ellen, its time to live the pain behind and focus on the healer. Its time to look forward and live that which is behind right where it belongs; behind. Its time to look through the storm and see the face of Christ high and lifted up. Its time to focus on the Wonderful Comforter, than that which caused you pain.
tino says
i thnk i needed to read ths! inspiring nd encouraging
Rindai says
How true is this in my life. I often succumb to self-pity because that is the easy way out, but it hurts and slowly i feel life seeping out of me. If i just look forward, look to the One that put me here in the first place, my outlook will change in all the right ways for my journey. It is indeed well with my soul.
Bless you my darling for writing this. May the Spirit of the Lord continue to move you and use you in writing. and Miriam, sweetheart, you have no idea how many people are benefiting from this blog. May you be blessed abundantly and more abundantly.
MIRIAM says
I was telling Ruth that this word came just in time for me, just the other day l broke down and asked why l have to go through some of the struggles I’m going through at the moment and glad to say l found the answer in her blog post. God is indeed good and l am a living testimony that i would have never known Jesus the way l do now if l had not gone through some of the struggles l’ve been through. So Yes! it is well with my soul shall be my song as l journey along. And this blog honestly, ALL praise and glory to God, it is the least l can do to bring people to God hope somebody will read it and be blessed…xoxo!!
Sijabuliso Mpofu says
what a good read! bless you sister .it is no surprise White goes on to say
‘It is the mother’s privilege to bless the world by her influence, and in doing this she will bring joy to her own heart’.
Be Blessed
Ruth says
Thank you for responding to this article. I’m touched that in it you found a blessing. God bless you.
Tendai says
This is very nice-I enjoyed the read, God bless you Ruth & Miriam!
MIRIAM says
Im glad you enjoyed reading it Tendai and thank you for reading.. Blessings to you too dear:)xoxo!
Sindy says
So much loved reading this, and really felt so blessed even thrue ol the tough times i’ve been thrue. Surely the Lord knows the plans He has for us even thrue ol of our misfortunes.. Keep on writing, so much behind u wt Christ our anchor.. Be more than blessed.
thelma says
This message just came to me at the right time.
Its well written; Ellen G White’s story is filled with sorrows just like most of our lives, it wasnt perfect just like most of us but she stood up and did God’s ministry dispite all the hardships se had… look at now, her ministry which she did years back is still going around the world changing pple like you and me in marvelous ways…
Thank you sis Ruth and God bless ya abandantly
Paidamoyo M. Guti says
I truly am inspired love.
Will surely revive my gift again. Thank you so much for the article. I praise God indeed. Hallelujah to God!
Choolwe Masenke says
I really needed this, you just spoke to me. I thank God that this was sent just at a time when I needed it. So much has been happening in my life, and am tempted to feel that God doesn’t want to hear. I know that even in the storm He is with me. May God bless you!
eudy says
Wow this blows my mind God bless you. I am encouraged revived looking forward to praising God even through the storm. Amen it such a blessing to be part of this group.
Precious says
You could not have said it any better.!!!! Amen to this.
Angelique says
Wow! so encouraging! I needed this. God has perfect timing 🙂
Thank you!
Wadzy says
It is well…indeed! Bless you Ruth!