“Many are the troubles of the just man, but out of them all the Lord delivers him.” Psalm 34:19
Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932) had many troubles. Both her parents died when she was young. In her early twenties, the second year of her teaching career, she began experiencing symptoms of early rheumatoid arthritis. This progressed so severely that at age 30, she could no longer walk. Her body was twisted, her hands disfigured and she barely slept from the pain.
Her adoptive family taught her the Scriptures from when she was young, and in her agony, she was able to lean on and reflect upon God’s Word and His promises. She started composing many inspirational poems and became known as a Christian writer. Soon her works were published and widely read for its themes of hope, God’s eternal goodness and love in the midst of trials.
This is one of her well loved poems:
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
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.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
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.