Understanding Better By and By

Born in 1851, Charles Albert Tindley knew what it was like to face obstacles. His parents were slaves, but he did not allow this background hold him back. Showing incredible initiative, he taught himself to read and write, and even earned his divinity degree through a correspondence course.

He had worked as a janitor at Calvary Methodist Church in Philadelphia while attending night school. Then, in 1902, he became pastor of that same church. At the time of his death, that church had 12,500 members. He also became one of the “founding fathers of American Gospel music.”

Tindley knew that we all go through uncertainties and problems, but God has everything under control. In 1905, he wrote a hymn about what God had taught him. It was called, “We’ll Understand It Better By and By.”

He knew that we may be tossed and driven by “the restless sea,” and face “somber skies and howling tempests.” But someday, “when the mists have rolled away,” we will understand all that we’ve gone through.

Someday, we will be able to “tell the story how we’ve overcome.” Dark trials may surround us “on every hand,” but we can have faith that God will “guide us with His eye.” We may be tested and face “temptations” and “hidden snares,” but we can trust in God and His Word.

Today, you may have questions, and face problems and uncertainties. But God knows what you are going through. Commit your life to Him. Trust in Him. You will understand everything, by and by.