Amazing Grace

“Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”—John 9:25 ESV

When John Newton was only 11, he went to sea with his father. This led to a life as a slave trader. Ultimately, he became captain of his own ship, trading slaves. But he never completely forgot about God.

One day while steering the ship through a violent storm, he cried, “Lord, have mercy upon us.” When they survived, Newton believed God had used the storm to give him a message. He soon left the slave business to become a minister.

He made it a goal to write a new hymn each week. One of these was “Amazing Grace,” which described God’s grace in his life. He recognized he was a wretch, but God saved him. “I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.”

Newton recalled his years at sea and how God saved him through “many dangers, toils and snares.” He realized His grace had brought him “safe thus far.” Looking ahead, he knew that God’s grace would lead him home.

That same grace is available for you no matter what you have done. David wrote, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” He pities those who fear Him, just as “a father has compassion on those who fear him.” He knows our weaknesses and “remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:12–14).

Accept the grace God offers. Receive His amazing grace!

Reflection Question: Who in your life needs to experience God’s amazing grace today?