May 12, 2026 - Good Morning! It’s Tuesday, May 12.
Have you ever asked the question - Why do bad things happen to good people? I believe that we’ve all wondered that at one time or another, and that question reminds me of the story behind a Christian song.
In 1903, George Young made a meager living as a carpenter. But the real purpose of his life was to travel around the country as a lay preacher. He and his wife would crisscross the map, going from town to town, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Like many itinerant preachers, he had few earthly goods, but Mrs. Young said many years later - “We had so much of Jesus!”.
Finally they saved enough to buy a small piece of land, on which George built a pretty little cottage. But some time later, when the Young’s were away on another ministry trip, someone broke into their house and set it afire. Returning from serving God, they found a heap of ashes where their dream home had stood. As George Young gazed at the ruins, the Holy Spirit led him to focus, instead, on the precious possessions that fire could never destroy - family, ministry, his relationship with God, his eternal home. From that experience, which could have destroyed his faith, he was inspired to write this hymn.
In shady green pastures so rich and so sweet, God leads His dear children along
Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet, God leads His dear children along
Some through the waters, some through the flood, some through the fire but all through the blood
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song, in the night season and all the day long
If you’ve studied the stories behind the hymns, you know that many of these songs of comfort and joy sprang from moments of challenge and tragedy - songs like “It is Well With My Soul”, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”, and “He Keeps Me Singing”. Meditate this morning on the truth of 2 Corinthians 12:9 - “My grace is sufficient for you, says the Lord, for my power is made perfect in weakness”.
Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
