He Giveth More Grace

Note: The following account of God's provision of much-needed grace happened 8 or 9 years ago. Keith Price is now "home" in the presence of the Lord where there is "fulness of joy" and "pleasures for everymore" (Psalm 16:11).

I walked out to our mailbox, despondent, weary, broken and ready to quit! Why did "ministry" have to be so draining, so taxing, so uncertain, so hard? My spirit was wounded, my resolve depleted and the joy of serving Jesus had disolved in tears. What would the mailbox hold for me that day?

Bills, bills and more bills, collection notices, junk mail or maybe, just maybe, a generous donation or a note of encouragement? That mailbox has been the bearer of many, many blessings over the years and a few unwelcome surprises. As I opened it I recognized the beautiful penmanship of Keith Price, a mentor, wonderful friend, gentleman and faithful servant of Jesus. He enclosed the following poem by Annie Johnson Flint. Tears filled my eyes as I read this encouraging word. I'd heard and read this poem/song many times before but this day it was just for me, a divine affirmation and endorsement of God's great faithfulness. My steps quickened as I made the trip back to the house. That piece of mail from a dear friend had been a life saver!

Be encouraged today, dear friend! His grace is sufficient and in that hour when you feel you can't take another hit, another disappointment, another heartbreaking, gut-wrenching problem, He stands with arms open wide!

"Cast all your anxiety on Him...because He cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

He Giveth More Grace

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

Chorus:

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.

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.

- Annie Johnson Flint

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9