"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye" (Psa. 32.8).

INTRO.: A song which expresses trust in God to instruct and guide us in the way that we should go is, "All The Way My Savior Leads Me" (#129 in "Hymns for Worship Revised"). The text was written by Frances Jane Crosby VanAlstyne, better known as Fanny J. Crosby (1820-1915). Blind from six months, Fanny became a prolific poet who was under contract for three hymns a week. As a result of the pressure to meet deadlines, she often prayed for guidance to come up with words.

However, one day in 1874 she prayed for more material things. She had run short of money and needed five dollars. There was not any time to ask her publishers for an advance, so she simply prayed for the money. Shortly after the prayer, a stranger called to say that he liked her hymns. In the parting handshake, the admirer left something in her hand--five dollars. As the recipient of this unexpected good fortune sat in her room meditating on the goodness of God the lyrics of this song came to her mind.

She put the poem down on paper and sent it to Robert Lowry (1826-1899). He composed the tune (All the Way) and published it in his Sunday school song collection, "Brightest and Best," which he compiled in 1875 with William Howard Doane (1832-1915). The song appeared in the 1937 "Great Songs of the Church No. 2" (#334) edited by E. L. Jorgenson. Since then, it has been included in a large number of hymnbooks used among churches of Christ.

The song is an expression of our faith in Christ to lead us.

I. The first stanza says that because Christ leads us, we have our needs provided

A. We have no reason to doubt the tender mercy of Him who is our Guide to see that our needs are taken care of: Psa. 23.1-6

B. Not only the physical needs, but the spiritual needs of heavenly peace and divinest comfort are granted to those who dwell in Him by faith: Phil. 4.6-7

C. Therefore, we can be assured that whatever befalls us, the Lord will do all things for our good: Deut. 6.24, Rom. 8.28

II. The second stanza says that because Christ leads us, we have cheer to help us

A. We all face trials in this life, but He gives us grace and feeds us with His living bread to sustain us: Jn. 6.32-35, Heb. 4.14-16, 1 Pet. 4.12-16

B. As we journey through this life, our weary steps will sometimes falter and our soul will thirst: Psa. 6.6, 63.1

C. But like the Israelites of old, we can look to the Lord for a spring of joy gushing from the Rock before us: Exo. 17.6, Jn. 4.10-14, 1 Cor. 10.4

III. The third stanza says that because Christ leads us, we have the fullness of His love

A. This fullness is manifested in the fact that perfect rest is promised in the Father's house above: Jn. 14.1-3

B. Someday, when Jesus comes, our spirits, clothed immortal, will wing their flight to realms of day: 2 Cor. 5.1-6

C. Then, we can sing the song through endless ages, that Jesus led us all the way just as He did Israel: Deut. 32.12

CONCL.: This song is somewhat unusual among the more popular of Fanny Crosby's works in that unlike most others it does not have the standard chorus which follows each stanza. While it is not a song of praise addressed directly to the Lord, it is more of a devotional hymn praising His goodness and guidance than the typical gospel song. If I am to have the hope of going to be with God, I must strive to live here on earth so that "All The Way My Savior Leads Me."