A Life of Enduring Faith
Richard Blanchard’s life was marked by challenges, but his unwavering faith in God remained a constant source of strength. Diagnosed with a severe lung problem, he was left with only one-third of his lung capacity. Yet, this physical limitation did not hinder his spirit. In 1953, he became the pastor of a church in Coral Gables, Florida, where he would soon experience a divine moment that would change his life forever.
An Unexpected Blessing
One day, while waiting for a young couple who were running late for their counseling appointment, Blanchard decided to pass the time by playing the piano in a nearby Sunday school room. Little did he know, God had other plans. In just under thirty minutes, he was inspired to write the iconic song “Fill My Cup, Lord.” The lyrics, which would go on to touch countless hearts, flowed effortlessly from his heart to the page.
A Song Born of Faith
Like the woman at the well, Blanchard had been seeking fulfillment in things that could not satisfy. But in that moment, he heard his Savior speaking, saying, “Draw from my well that never shall run dry.” The song became an anthem of faith, a testament to the transformative power of God’s love. “Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up, Lord! Come and quench this thirsting of my soul; Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole!”
A Life of Empowerment and Leaning
As I got to know Dick, as he preferred to be called, I was struck by his remarkable story. Despite his physical limitations, he continued to serve as a pastor and even played the trombone with remarkable skill. He shared with me the miraculous story of writing “Fill My Cup Lord,” which he attributed to God’s intervention. There were moments in his life when God’s presence was palpable, and this song was one of them.
A Legacy of Faith
Tragedy struck when Dick’s son, Rick, became a quadriplegic in a devastating accident. Yet, even in the darkest of times, Dick’s faith remained unshaken. He leaned on his relationship with God, finding comfort and strength in His presence. This experience reminds us that, as Christians, we will face times of empowerment and times of need. It is in these moments that we must draw upon our faith, trusting in the promise of God’s presence and comfort.
A Timeless Message
The song “Fill My Cup Lord” remains a powerful reminder of God’s enduring love and presence in our lives. As we navigate the ups and downs of life, we can find solace in the knowledge that we have a friend in Jesus, who will empower us to do great things and comfort us in times of distress.
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