HE GIVES MORE GRACE

HE GIVES MORE GRACE

As I sit here at my computer wondering what the Lord wants to say to you out there this day.  Many of you are going through sickness in your body and you wonder when this trial will ever end.  I know of several who are suffering with cancer right now, and some are just waiting to go “home.” 

I talked with a lady this past week and she has gone over the time they predicted she would die from her ailments.  I told her that maybe I would see her next week.  She said, “Oh, no as I won’t be here next week.  I am going “home” to heaven and she pointed up.  I told her that someday we would meet again around the Throne!  Then there will be no sickness, tears, or sorrow and no more death, live eternally with our Lord Jesus Christ.

As I was looking at songs and their stories that would bless you in these times, I found the song “He Giveth More Grace.” As we watch a dear loved one go through multiple procedures to halt the cancer in his body, and take prayer requests of others who are in great pain, I am reminded of His grace in these times when it seems like there are no earthly answers to our pain, we learn that “He giveth more grace when the burden grows greater.”

HE GIVETH MORE GRACE

“Annie Flint, the author of this hymn, understood something of God’s grace.  Her mother died in childbirth, and her father died shortly afterwards from an incurable disease.  Before his death, Annie’s father left her and her baby sister with a childless Christian couple, the Flints, who adopted them.

Annie wanted to become a teacher, but in her second year of teaching, she began experiencing the symptoms of arthritis.  The disease grew worse until she could hardly walk.  Then the death of both adoptive parents left Annie and her sister alone again.  Annie went to a sanatorium, but the doctors said there was nothing they could do for her.

She began writing from experience.  Her fingers were bent, her joints were swollen, and often she could only write a few lines at a time.  But she continued writing, praying that others might be helped through her experience.  Her poems were published in magazines across the country.  Sometimes the publisher would mention Annie’s physical condition, and readers would donate funds to help her.

Annie learned what the apostle Paul had learned when God told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV). 

He giveth more grace when the burden grows greater; He sendeth more strength when the labors increase.  To added affliction He addeth His mercy; To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

His love has no limit; His grace has no measure; His pow’r has no boundary known unto men.  For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!

When we have exhausted our store of endurance, when our strength has failed ere the day is half done, when we reach the end of our hoarded resources, our Father’s full giving is only begun.” (Annie Flint, 1866-1932).

Many of us can relate to this song and Annie’s experience.  Oh, we may not suffer as she did, but we do have our various trials, and they are just as big to us in our lives.  And sometimes the burden is simply unbearable, but He promises:

“Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” Matthew 11:28-30.

My heart goes out to so many people whose burden of grief is great today.  I know of three deaths recently, two of those were beloved Pastors.  The one we learned of today was a shock to everyone who knew him.  He had been ill, but was again in His pulpit preaching, but God called Him Home.  I think of the loved ones, his small congregation, his wife and children and so on.  But God promises His mercy, and His multiplied peace! Praise the Lord!

And I, myself, have experienced the loss of my endurance when the day is only half over.  There are days when I don’t feel like I can accomplish the next task before me.  I have no more resources left in me, and I am sure there are many out there who experience those moments.  We have no more resources to give, and then we realize our Father’s resources never give out, and He gives and He gives and He gives.  We can reach out and receive His strength for the moment and beyond.  Aren’t we glad we serve such a Wonderful Lord who never tires or runs out of His love for His children?

Yes, He gives more grace no matter what the trial, the pain, the sorrow or whatever the situation may be.  And to those who have recently faced surgery and may be in pain at this moment, He is there with His Wonderful grace and His mercy.  His arms reach out to you, just let Him take you in His gentle arms, and He will give you rest, in Jesus’ Name!

“Father, I know of so many today who suffer with cancer, who have lost loved ones, and those who are just waiting for Jesus to call them “Home.” There, Lord, they will be free from pain at last!  And we, left here, cannot even comprehend the joys you have prepared for these loved ones.  I think of the two pastors, and the crown they have won for their faithful service to You.  So, Father, comfort the families today, bring strength to those who remain and Your peace, which you give and give and give.  And we thank You, Father, that Your resources are unlimited.  And we give you great praise this day.”

In the Name of Jesus,

Pastor Sharon