TRUSTING JESUS

Edgar Page Stites was for many years an obscure but active lay-worker in the Methodist Church of Cape May, New Jersey.  He had ancestors who came to America on the Mayflower, and a cousin, Eliza Hewitt, who also was a hymnwriter. 

Edgar served in the Civil War and spent some time as a riverboat pilot.  He also worked for a period as a Methodist home missionary in the Dakotas.  He often used the pseudonym "Edgar Page" on his hymns.  Another of his hymns that has enjoyed popularity to the present time is “Beulah Land.”  Edgar died on January 7, 1921 in the same town where he was born.

Not obscure though was the music composer, Ira D. Sankey.  One day in 1876, the words to Edgar’s hymn were given to D. L. Moody in the form of a newspaper clipping.  He gave the clipping to his Music Director, Mr. Sankey, and asked him to write a tune for them.  Ira said he would…with the condition that D. L. would vouch for the doctrine taught in the verses.  Moody said he could vouch for these truths…and the hymn was born and published. 

Learning to trust in Jesus and His direction may seem hard at the start.  Following Edgar’s encouragement and reaching out to Jesus first and then waiting and watching for His guidance will help you.  In the Bible, there several times when trouble came because the people or leader did not first inquire of the Lord.  TRUSTING JESUS is always the right move.