April 22, 1776: “Christ in Me”

On April 22, 1776, as the American colonies shook under war and uncertainty, itinerant preacher Francis Asbury recorded a quiet miracle in his journal: “I found Christ in me the hope of glory.” His words echo Scripture: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) Yet Asbury also confessed a “pleasing, painful” hunger for more of God—assurance joined to holy longing.

This was not sentimental religion. It was the Spirit-given life of an awakened heart: comforted by Christ’s indwelling presence, yet dissatisfied with anything less than deeper holiness. That mixture—peace and pursuit—became a defining mark of Asbury’s ministry and a pattern for lasting revival.

Staying When Others Left

During the Revolutionary crisis, several Methodist leaders and preachers returned to England, uncertain of their safety and unsure how to labor amid political upheaval. Asbury stayed. Though English-born, he chose to remain with the scattered Methodist societies, often watched, suspected, or endangered. At times he kept a low profile—especially in places like Delaware—yet he refused to abandon the flock.

His perseverance was a quiet kind of heroism: not the heroism of the battlefield, but of the shepherd who will not flee when wolves prowl. He traveled rough roads, preached in homes and meetinghouses, prayed with families, and strengthened believers who felt cut off and forgotten. Over time, this steadfast service helped knit Methodism into a durable American witness.

A Pattern for Revival and Holiness

Asbury’s journal reminds readers that true revival begins inside, with Christ enthroned in the heart, and continues through a growing thirst for righteousness: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6) Assurance that does not lead to obedience is presumption; longing that does not rest in Christ becomes despair. Asbury carried both: confidence in Christ and a continual reaching for greater purity.

His legacy points believers to simple, enduring Christian attributes—faithfulness, courage, humility, and patient love. In unrest, he sought not comfort but communion; not applause but holiness; not ease but souls.