Every night around eight to eight-thirty local time, I listen to 91.3, (a local station), near Atlanta, Georgia.
They typically will air a Bible study or something similar.
This week has been on the background of John Newton, author of the well loved song, Amazing Grace, his background and the meaning of the lyrics.
It is so interesting to me hearing his background.
I absolutely love his life story.
The host of the program said that Newton craved sin, he even tried to make up his own curse words to sin more.
He did not believe in God.
And he was a captain of a slave ship.
It was not until his ship went through a terrible storm where he cried out to God asking him to have mercy upon his life.
Which God did.
Newton then started growing in his faith and led church services on his slave ships.
Later in his life he ended up playing a huge role in the abolishment of the slave trade.
What a beautiful picture!
Once a sinner wanting to have nothing to do with God, yet, God still had bigger plans for him.
Once a man who was captain of a slave ship, then later in life played a major role in the abolishment of the slave trade.
His story is a reminder that you do not have to change for God.
He will meet you right where you are at.
Even if you do not even believe in him.
God took someone who was full of sin and used him to abolish something he used to participate in.
You often hear that people will not realize they need God until the “storms of life” affect them directly.
Newton’s story reflects that exactly!
Even when he did not believe in God, he called on him when he was in trouble.
It reminds me of how God uses our scars and dark times in life for His glory.
He used a sinful slave trader to later preach the gospel and set slaves free.
Newton story just blows me away with fascination!!
“The Lord will work out his plans for my life.” Psalm 138:8 (TLB)
Miranda
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