Infinite Blessings of Grace
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29 (NIV)
Annie Flint had a talent for writing. She didn’t allow her debilitating arthritis to stand in the way of her using the talent that God had given her. In fact, her writing helped her to deal with her pain. It helped her express her faith and trust in the only One who could carry her heavy burden of suffering – Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, the man of sorrows, acquainted with our deepest grief. (Isaiah 53:3). Through her agonising suffering, she drew closer to the Lord. Her many poems and song lyrics expressed her gratitude to God for His grace that sustained her each day.
Her God-given talent did not go unnoticed. Her writing was published, encouraging many who read her beautiful words. Her readers were amazed to hear that the lyrics were written by a woman who endured excruciating pain and had limited use of her hands. Annie did not focus on her own suffering. She saw others' struggles and hardships and encouraged them with her cards and little books containing her poetry. This became the impetus for her successful writing career.
Immeasurable Grace
Annie’s feet were firmly planted on earth, but her eyes were fixed on Jesus, on the upward call. On the things of eternity. This is what resounded in her poems. Her love for her Saviour, who wiped away her tears while she was on earth and would ultimately wipe her tears away in eternity (Revelation 21:4).
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 (NKJV)
The last stanza of He Giveth More Grace succinctly expresses not only God’s sustaining grace, but also His saving grace.
His love has no limits, his grace has no measure
His power no boundary known unto men
For out of his infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again
Her words, borne out of pain, were inspired by her devotion to her Master and Saviour. They were inspired by her time spent in the court of her King. Her words speak of God’s immeasurable grace, His boundless power and His infinite blessings He so willingly bestows on all of us. Her words speak of our heavenly Father who, out of His eternal, limitless love, gave His Son, Jesus, so that we may not perish, but have eternal life. Our Heavenly Father, who, out of His infinitely vast riches, giveth and giveth and giveth again.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (NIV)
Reflection:
Will you trust God’s immeasurable grace to save and sustain you, not only today, but for each day?
Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for Your immeasurable grace, Your boundless power and Your eternal love. I receive Your grace and rest in it, knowing it will be available for me each day. Help me to run my race well and to press toward the mark of the upward call. In Jesus’ name, amen.
