He Giveth More Grace

Aug 23, 2023

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 KJV

“…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.

[10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

The story behind the song, “He Giveth More Grace” is about the life of a poet and composer, Annie Johnson Flint, on how she was able to overcome every trial that crossed her path. I want to share with you her life to show how God can use the severest trials in order to come out much stronger and the more be a blessing to others.

Annie Johnson Flint was born on Christmas Eve in 1866 at Vineyard, New Jersey. She suffered the loss of both of her parents at the young age of 6. First, it was her mother who died while giving birth to her younger sister. Right after her mother died, her father, who was afflicted by a chronic serious illness asked his friend to take care of Annie and her sister; but while there they suffered neglect and emotional abuse. Their foster parents did not spend time with them to give more time to their own children. Meanwhile, a teacher noticed the condition of the two girls and she recommended them to be adopted by a childless couple, Mr & Mrs Flint.

Her father, Mr Johnson, because of his progressively worsening illness had no choice but to give up his daughters to provide them the opportunity of a brighter future. He finally willed his daughters to the Flint couple, especially after knowing that they also belong to the Baptist faith.

Their new stepparents loved and raised them well. They were taught Christian values and frugality that Annie learned to sew her clothes and did other domestic responsibilities. The Flint’s house has a big library where she spends a lot of hours reading different books. This started her interest in writing poetry. She received Christ when she turned 8 years old. Although it took her another 10 years to get baptized, she never questioned her salvation.

Annie grew up hopeful and optimistic. Despite all her losses, her love for the Lord made her manifest the joy of the Lord. It served as her strength. After high school, she joined a teacher’s training program and later taught at the school where she also attended. Unfortunately, in her second year of teaching, she was diagnosed with a severe form of arthritis, which progressively got worse and affected her job and her movements. This illness made her quit teaching. Soon after, both her stepparents passed away almost in the same year. They became orphans the second time around.

With a lack of financial resources, the death of her stepparents, and her worsening medical condition left her even more resilient and strong. Maybe, she had to since her sister was with her to care for. She started to use her creative writing skills by producing and decorating greeting cards, using the verses from her original poems. She later produced gift books also containing her original verses. She eventually became known because of the many positive reviews she received. Two “Card publishing companies” took notice of her creations and published her cards with her writings. It was a big success.

Many were blessed and comforted by the messages in her greeting cards and poetry. Through her creations, several beautiful songs came out as well, such as: “God has not promised the skies always blue,” and many more. Because of public demand, she published a book of poems, titled, “By the way - Travelogues of Cheer.”

Included in this book was her most famous poem; the song, “He Giveth More Grace,” which expresses what Apostle Paul shares in 2 Corinthians 12:9 - “My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Conclusion:

Annie Johnson Flint continued to produce heart-warming, beautiful, and inspiring verses, created and written by her twisted, hurting fingers, ravaged by her debilitating arthritis. She was not bothered by the pain and discomfort; for she was strengthened by the joy her creations were giving to so many people who were reading and singing them.

Through the grace of God in her life, she used her trials and physical affliction to inspire, comfort and strengthen others. She finally went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 8, 1932, at Clifton Springs, New York.

The following are the words of this beautiful song. May you be strengthened by the thought and the blessedness of the wonderful grace of God! His grace is all we need!

He Giveth More Grace

by Annie Johnson Flint

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,

Our God ever yearns His resources to share;