connected to Jesus part 1

Connected to Jesus

Connected to Jesus – A Quiet Strength, Part 1

“Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!” serves as the opening declaration in one of Fanny Crosby’s most-loved hymns.  Assurance speaks of quietness and strength. When one has assurance, one can be at rest.

This year, as we reflect on the promise found in Isaiah 61:3 – “They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” – consider the metaphor of the oak tree. A tree is planted. A tree thrives when its roots go down deep. A tree is not easily moved.

In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, I sense a hunger for steadfastness. A quiet strength. Assurance. Not smug. Not stubborn. But solid. This is only possible if we allow ourselves to be connected to Jesus, receiving from Him all that we need.

I see a quiet strength in the life of Fanny Crosby. In reference to her physical blindness, Fanny is reported to have said, “It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.”  Looking to her ultimate healing in heaven, Fanny remarked, “When I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanny_Crosby)

Out of this blessed assurance, Fanny found the strength to be an “oak of righteousness,” devoting her life to the ministries of gospel songwriting and urban rescue missions. Again, from the Wikipedia article cited above: Crosby will probably always be best known for her hymns, yet she wanted to be seen primarily as a rescue mission worker. According to Keith Schwanz: At the end of her life, Fanny’s concept of her vocation was not that of a celebrated gospel songwriter, but that of a city mission worker. In an interview that was published in the March 24, 1908, issue of the New Haven Register, Fanny said that her chief occupation was working in missions.

I’m inspired! How about you? This call to a quiet strength begins with a life-giving connection to Jesus. May this be our story and song: “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!”

Jen Vogel

Jen served as national director for Alliance Women from 2015-2023; she serves in a variety of ministry capacities, including on the President's Cabinet for The Alliance. She enjoys reading, travel, and completing the New York Times crossword puzzle daily. Jen and her husband, Doug, attend Dover Avenue Alliance Church in Orange City, Iowa.

Two Responses to “Connected to Jesus”

  1. Jen, thank you for the the time and heart you give to this ministry. The articles direct my attention to the One who strengthens me through the scripture and stories shared. Today is such a different time and “A Quiet Strength” can make one chuckle considering the noisy places and spaces that often invade our lives. Oaks of righteousness, not perfection … a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor. Again, all about Him and what He can and will do through us in a world that so needs to see women live lives fueled by the quiet strength His Spirit and Word purposes in us. Thank you.

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