It Is Well :: By Dennis Huebshman

From 1969 to 1992, there was a program on television called “Hee Haw.” One of the more popular skits was a song with the line, “Gloom, despair and agony on me! Deep, dark depression, excessive misery! If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all! Gloom, despair and agony on me!” From there, the performers would sing about all kinds of mythical issues that would cause the negativity. (ESV – All Emphasis Is Mine.)

Taking into account all the increased hate and evil that is happening in the world today, anyone who is on that broad path leading to their eternal destruction could very well identify with that song (Matthew 7:13-14).

Those who are on the straight and narrow path leading to eternal life with the Savior will also feel the stress of the changing times. However, we have an advantage of putting our faith in what our Savior said in John 16:33: “I have said these things to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

We have something positive to live for and look forward to.

In Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21 we have a list of things that would be taking place near the end of this age. None are very pleasant at all. In fact, anyone who professed faith in Jesus was subject to persecution and even martyrdom. That started when Jesus was on this earth and has continued all the way to today’s world.

Ironically, much of the persecution of Christians came from the Pharisees and Sadducees, who were supposed to be the “Holy religious leaders” of that day. One of the most zealous of the Pharisee group was Saul of Tarsus, who went above and beyond in his persecution of the “Way,” as early Christianity was called. After his encounter with the Lord on the road to Damascus, his name changed to Paul, and his zeal was redirected at being a true devout follower of the Savior. His list of all the negative actions and attitudes in 2 Timothy 3, leading to the end of this age before the tribulation, are all present in this world right now.

While this information being given is in no way trying to set a date or time that the seven-year tribulation will start, we can see that God’s word is accurate and true in letting us know that it is rapidly approaching. We just have to remember His timing is different than ours.

This also tells us that the taking up of all true believers who have received and accepted Jesus as their Savior is even closer than that awful time. This also should let us know that this would be a good time to become a member of our Savior’s precious flock.

Instead of “Gloom, Despair,” we can actually say, “It Is Well With My Soul,” and take this opportunity to make the best decision ever that our eternal soul will be with Jesus in Heaven. The only alternative to this would be eternity in the lake of fire with Satan (Revelation 20:11-15).

In 1873, Horatio Gates Spafford (1828-1888) wrote the words to the song, “It Is Well With My Soul.” Please consider the content of this powerful hymn.

1.) When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like deep billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, “It Is Well, It Is Well, with my soul.

Ref.) It is well with my soul; it is well, It is well with my soul.

2.) Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control, that Christ has regarded my helpless estate and has shed His own blood for my soul.

3.) My sin, Oh the bliss of this glorious thought! My sin, not in part, but the whole, is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more; praise the Lord; praise the Lord, Oh my soul!

4.) Oh Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back like a scroll; the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend; even so, it is well with my soul.

The circumstances behind this hymn would almost seem to contain more hardships than anyone could bear. However, it is obvious that Spafford and his wife, Anna, put their faith and trust in the Lord.

Spafford was a successful lawyer, yet he lost his fortune in the 1871 Chicago fire. His 4-year-old son died of scarlet fever in 1870. In 1873, he had sent his wife and four daughters by ship to Europe, and was to meet them later. That ship collided with another and sank, killing all four of his daughters. His wife sent a telegram that contained two words – “Survived Alone!”

He and his wife traveled to Jerusalem and set up an American Spiritual Colony there in 1881. Though they truly missed their children, they firmly believed all of them were safely in the arms of the Savior. Spafford died of Malaria in 1888, and is buried in Jerusalem. (Source – Wikipedia)

As stated above, we do not know the day, hour, or even minute when the Trumpet of God will sound and a shout from an archangel will take place (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-53). That will be the instant that all true believers will be taken up to meet Jesus in the air and be with Him forever.

All who have not actually received and accepted Jesus as their Savior will be left behind for the worst tribulation time this earth has ever experienced.

With this in mind, it would be a very wise choice to have Jesus as your Savior before the Rapture takes place. Romans 10:9-13 gives the steps, and they aren’t complicated. The hard part is believing that’s all there is to it. One note that I’ve made before: when it states, “confess with your mouth,” this does not eliminate anyone who is mute. God reads our minds as if we were speaking out loud to Him.

The point to make is, the day and hour that the Rapture takes place is unknown. Therefore, it would be a great idea to do this soon. Also, we’re not guaranteed another day on Earth. If for some reason a person were to take their last breath today, having Jesus as their Savior keeps them from the White Throne Judgment of Revelation 20:11-15.

The Father will not force anyone to accept the Sacrifice given by our Lord and Savior at Calvary. He will honor the decision of all who willingly do so.

He will also allow each person the option of spending eternity in the lake of fire that was specifically made for Satan and his demons (Matthew 25:41).

In 2 Peter 3:9, we’re told, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Once the Father starts the Rapture process, no one will be able to call out to be included if they haven’t already become a part of the Savior’s flock. They will understand what the term “Left Behind” really means.

Take a moment, if you haven’t done so already, and consider becoming one of all the true believers in the Savior who are just waiting to go Home. Right now, the Savior will accept your call 24/7. Once you have done so, you too will be saying – “It Is Well With My Soul!”

Come, Lord Jesus!

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