‘As the deer pants for streams of water so my soul pants for you, O God’. (Psalm 42:1)‘For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise’ (1 Chronicles 16:25 NIV)
Frances ‘Fanny’ Crosby was born on 24th 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 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. When I remember how I have been blessed, how can I repine?”
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?” “Why?” asked the surprised clergyman. “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 lest they become the object of our 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, if something is luring you away from gazing into the heart 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.
Amen.
Have a good week praising God.
Pastor Barry
