The Sunday Sermonette – An Old Hymn. A Timeless Message.

Life’s highway is not always lined with perfumed roses and sparkling sunlight. There are dark alleyways, treacherous curves, and ominous dead ends at every turn. These often lead to hurt, pain, and disappointment. Dreams are crushed, too. Or are they?

Louisa Stead, born in Dover, England, in 1850, and immigrated to America in 1871, always dreamed of being a missionary. At a young age, God called her to go to China and spread the message of Jesus’ love.

However, her fragile health prevented her from fulfilling this dream. Instead, she fell in love with George Stead, started a family, and enjoyed a happy marriage. Unfortunately, this happiness was short-lived.

When George and Louisa’s daughter, Lily, was four years old, they went on holiday to visit friends who lived on Long Island Sound. One sunny afternoon, they heard the frantic sounds of a drowning boy. George instinctively swam out to rescue the boy.

But, as often happens, the struggling child pulled his rescuer underwater with him, and they both drowned as Louisa and Lilly watched in horror from shore. Their world suddenly shattered before their eyes. Louisa could not help but ask God, “Why?”

Back in Cincinnati, Louisa, bereft of income due to her husband’s death, found it difficult to make ends meet. Money was scarce, and so was food. One day, when all seemed lost, she heard a knock at the door. When she opened it, no one was there. But someone had left groceries and plenty of money to tie her over until better times came. And they did.

That simple act of kindness, coupled with the dark days in Louisa’s life, inspired her to pen the uplifting lyrics to one of Christendom’s most beloved hymns, “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.” The story behind those lyrics stemmed from her personal tragedy, but ended in thankful triumph.

The hymns’ inspiring words expressed Louisa’s unwavering faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She may have asked why, but her faith never faltered.

Her lyrics can point us to the same hope and comfort she felt as we walk down Life’s treacherous highway. Her hymn also serves as a testament to the power of God’s love and support when we lean on Him during difficult times.

Did Louisa’s young dreams ever come true? Yes, but with a detour. She eventually remarried, and she, her husband, and Lilly became missionaries, not in China but in Africa.

Ponder this and go forth.

(Originally posted June 2, 2024)