The Psalmist states, “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord” (Psalm 112:7).

It is easy to submit to God’s will when everything is going well… when you are walking on sunshine and feeling good. But when you find yourself walking in the shadows, it is then that submission to God’s will finds its severest test.

Here’s an account of Stonewall Jackson’s convervation with his pastor, Rev. Lacy, after he was wounded in battle:

“You see me severely wounded, but not depressed, not unhappy.  I believe it has been done according to God’s holy will, and I acquiesce entirely in it.  You may think it strange, but you never saw me more contented than I am today; for I am sure that my Heavenly Father designs this affliction for my good.  I am perfectly satisfied that, either in this life, or in that which is to come, I shall discover that what is now regarded as a calamity is a blessing.  And if it appears a great calamity, as it surely will be a great inconvenience, to be deprived of my arm, it will result in a greater blessing.  I can wait until God, in his own time, shall make known to me the object He has in thus afflicting me.  But why should I not rather rejoice in it as a blessing, and not look on it as a calamity at all?  If it were in my power to replace my arm, I would not dare to do it, unless I could know it was the will of my heavenly Father.”