Annie Johnson Flint was born on Christmas Eve 1866. At a young age Annie’s mother passed away, and her father was not well himself and allowed Annie and her younger sister to be adopted by a local Christian couple. At age 8, Annie decided to follow Jesus. Throughout her teenage years, Annie developed a keen interest in reading and writing, especially poetry. While still a young woman she developed arthritis, which left her almost unable to walk, causing her to give up her much-loved teaching post which she only had for three years. Unfortunately, her adoptive parents later died within a few months of each other, leaving Annie overwhelmed with sadness, all the while her own health deteriorated rapidly, with doctors telling her that she would become helpless and crippled. While she endured great pain for the rest of her life due to arthritis, Annie left a legacy in her work reflecting her trust in God. One of her most popular writings is a beautiful testimony of God’s goodness, presence and nearness:
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labours 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.
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.
The apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10:
“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
We may never know why God did not heal Annie Johnston Flint, yet we can see she chose to let God work despite her weaknesses for His glory. Annie was a recipient of her Heavenly Father’s goodness over and over again, she found her strength in Him and testified of it through her many writings.
Sometimes we go through unexplainable struggles in life, yet often it’s in those challenges when we trust God that He gets the glory. Whatever is going on in our lives, throughout Ireland, or around the world that tries to drag us down or make us feel helpless, we can fully rely on God and as we allow the Holy Spirit to move in our lives that we can find our strength, peace and security in Him. It’s been said “sometimes there can be a Goliath in your life, for you to find the David within you”, sometimes God allows the battle to find His strength within us. God’s grace and strength that sustains us will be the testimony that carries each of us, and that’s our personal story to share with those around us.
Father, help me to praise You and rely on You no matter what is going on around me. Father, I pray that Your power through the Holy Spirit will help make me strong and be used for Your glory and honour. Help others see You moving in my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.