Grace for Trials

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found to praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:      1 Peter 1:7

I am learning that God gives grace to us in our hour of need when our trust is in Him. When troubles and trials come, His grace pours out upon us. God’s grace will perfect us. It will establish and strengthen us during our suffering. (1 Peter 5:10)

Recently I came across the words to a hymn that express this thought well. The hymn begins with the line, “ He giveth more grace as the burdens grow greater”. The author, Annie Johnson Flint, wrote these words, not from a book knowledge but because she had experienced His grace that grows in the midst of suffering.  She lost both parents before she was six years old. During her teens years she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis which would leave her crippled and bed ridden. Due to being in bed most of her life she suffered from painful bedsores. Eventually cancer would ravage her body.

Yet her attitude through all the struggles with pain and confinement was that of submission, faith and trust in God to give her the grace and strength she needed. With pen pushed through gnarled fingers and held by swollen joints, she continued wrote many hymns and poems. Toward the end even holding a pen would prove impossible and she would type her words with her bent, swollen knuckles. The words she penned would provide peace and comfort for herself, her friends, and the world.

He Giveth More Grace” by Annie Johnson Flint – (1866-1932)

He giveth more grace as the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as the labors increase,
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials His multiplied peace.

Refrain:
His love has no limit; His grace has no measure.
His power 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.

 

Oh Father, help me to find rest and comfort in Your Grace and Strength in the face of suffering, pain and trials.

 

Join me for 31 Days of Seeking Grace