Frances “Fanny” Crosby had several dear friends. Amongst them was the renowned composer, Phoebe Knapp. While Fanny lived in the Manhattan slums and worked in rescue missions, Phoebe lived in the Knapp Mansion, enjoying a life of luxury. Her music room contained one of the finest collections of instruments in the country, and Phoebe frequently entertained her guests on one instrument or another. Fanny was blessed to be a frequent houseguest.

One day in 1873, while Fanny was staying at the Knapp Mansion, Phoebe said she had a new tune she wanted to play. Going to the music room, she sat at the piano and played her composition while the blind hymnist listened. As the melody concluded, Fanny immediately clapped her hands and exclaimed, “Why, that says, Blessed assurance! She quickly composed the words, and a great hymn was born.

Many years later, D.L. Moody was preaching in New York. The Moody/Sankey meetings had popularized Fanny Crosby’s hymns around the world and had made the blind poetess a household name. However, she always refused to be recognized.

On this particular day, the church was so crowded she could find nowhere to sit. Upon seeing her, Moody’s son, Will, offered to find her a seat. To her bewilderment, he led her onto the platform just as the congregation was singing “Blessed Assurance”. Moody, Sr. jumped to his feet, raised his hand, and interrupted the singing. “Praise the Lord!” he shouted. “Here comes the authoress!”

Fanny took her seat amid a thunderous ovation, humbly thanking God for making her a blessing to so many.

Blessed assurance, Jesus Is Mine! Oh, what a fore-taste of Glory divine!

 Heir of Salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood!

 This is my story, this is my song, praising My Savior all the day long.

This is my story, this is my song, praising My Savior all the day long.²

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, it is indeed a glorious feeling to know that you are my Savior. To know that my Salvation is due to your death on the cross. It is truly a blessed assurance that no man can ever take from me. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. 2 Timothy 1:12 (ESV).

2. “Blessed Assurance”, hymn by Fanny J. Crosby (1873).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.