God’s Grace Math

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

"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.

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.

Refrain:

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!

There is a grace and strength from God that comes in our hour of greatest need.  Deacon Pat Cook, a retired math professor, called this a song about “God’s Grace Math”.  The following terms in the song all are used at different places in the study of mathematics: "More, greater, increase, added, addeth, multiplied, multiplies, half, exceed, limits, measure, boundary, infinite."  When troubles and trials come upon us, we can know His added grace, His limitless love, and His multiplied peace.

This song was written by Annie Johnson Flint who has written some of the most inspiring poems dealing with faith and triumph in times of trial and suffering.  She was born on Christmas Eve in the small town of Vineland, New Jersey.  She was welcomed by Eldon and Jean Johnson as their greatest earthly gift.  Three years later, little Annie would lose her mother, who died giving birth to Annie’s baby sister.  Mr. Johnson, who himself was suffering from an incurable disease, willed the children to the Flint family who would bring them up in the Baptist faith.

She became afflicted with arthritis as a teen and soon thereafter became unable to walk.  She aspired to be a composer and concert pianist, but when illness deprived her of her ability to play the piano she resorted to writing poetry.  Some of her poetry she set to music.  Later in life, being unable to open her hands, she wrote many of her poems on the typewriter, using but her knuckles.

A missionary from India once shared the following story about this song. It was in the 40's when this song was newly released.  Some caring individual from the states sent her the record through the mail. They had no idea how very discouraged this missionary was or how exhausted her resources were. Lillian excitedly loaded her Victorola record player and began to play this new inspirational song. When it got to the chorus, "He giveth and giveth and giveth…." the needle got stuck.  So over and over she heard the phrase “He giveth and giveth and giveth and giveth and giveth…” until it brought absolute joy from the deep resources of her heart.  She realized God truly wanted her to experience His unlimited and overflowing provisions for her needs.

Did you notice that “God’s Grace Math” has no negatives?  His abundant supply is our strength in every situation.  Draw from the refreshing spring of God’s grace for your life today.

Scripture to Claim:

May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you. Jude 1:2