Turnaround for a Rebel

He was fired from a job because of his unsettled behavior and impatience. He was known to be arrogant and insubordinate. He even confessed that he had “a high hand” and studied how “to tempt and seduce others.”

This man made his living from trading slaves! Could there be hope for such a rebel?

But man was John Newton, composer of “Amazing Grace” and a powerful influence for the Gospel. Born in 1725, he spent much of his youth at sea, including time on a slave ship. In 1747, he was on a ship that encountered a fierce storm. Battlng with his fears, Newton turned his life over to Jesus.

Continuing his life at sea, eventually he became captain of a number of slave ships, hoping to use his influence for good. But during one voyage, he was caught up in another violent storm. Desperate, he cried out, “Lord, have mercy upon us.” When they survived, Newton believed that God had given him a message. He left the slaving business and spent the rest of his life as a minister.

One of the reasons “Amazing Grace” has had such an amazing impact is because Newton drew on his personal experience. He knew that God’s grace had a sound that was sweet. He wasn’t speaking of mere theory when he described how grace had “saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.”

Recalling his years at sea, he wrote, “Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ‘tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.”

That same grace is available for you, no matter what you have done. God can separate your sins from you “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12-14). Believe Him, and receive His amazing grace!