28th February 2022
To God be the glory
For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise…
1 Chronicles 16:25 (NIV)
Frances ‘Fanny’ Crosby was born on 24 March 1820, in Putnam County, New York. In her own words she tells the moving account of how she became blind: ‘When I was six weeks old a slight cold caused inflammation of the eyes. Our usual doctor was away from home, so a stranger was called in. He recommended the use of hot mustard poultices, which practically destroyed my sight.’ Incredibly Fanny added, ‘I have not for a moment, in more than eighty-five years, felt a spark of resentment against him; for I have always believed that the good Lord in his infinite mercy by this means consecrated me to the work that I am still permitted to do.’
Fanny was an inspiring woman who lived her life surrendered to God and his purposes, and ended up writing over 8,000 hymns, including ‘To God be the Glory’ and ‘Blessed Assurance’.
On one occasion a preacher sympathetically remarked, ‘I think it is a great pity that the Master did not give you sight when he showered so many other gifts upon you.’ She replied quickly, ‘Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been that I should be born blind?’ The surprised clergyman exclaimed, ‘Why?’ Fanny replied, ‘Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Saviour!’
I find that kind of statement awe-inspiring. It makes me wonder what kind of sacrifice I would be willing to make to ensure I retain a 20/20 vision of Jesus when there are so many distractions and attractions vying for my attention.
One of Fanny’s abiding legacies is a reminder that whatever circumstances we find ourselves in we should not forget to worship God, and give him the glory; we should not focus our eyes on other things as objects of worship. Worshipping God is a key component of our spiritual life for he is always worthy of our worship, no matter what our circumstances. Nothing is more important, more beautiful, more satisfying than worshipping God for all that he is, and all that he has done.
If something is clouding your vision of God, ask him to open the ‘eyes’ of your understanding so that you can gain a fresh vision of his glory, majesty and love. As we see more clearly our only response can be one of worship.
Praise God for the life of Fanny Crosby, a life led with blessed assurance and to the glory of God.
Prayer
Father, may we praise you all the day long, for you are worthy to be praised. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Study by Barry Robinson
About the writer:
Barry Robinson is a Minister in Grace Communion International and Regional Pastor for Southern England.
Local congregation:
Grace Communion International Camberwell
The Salvation Army Hall
105 Lomond Grove
Camberwell
London SE5 7HN
Meeting time:
Saturday 11 am
Local congregational contact:
Barry Robinson
Email: camberwell@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church