Mrs. Newton was a godly woman whose health was fragile, but faith was strong. She devoted her days to caring for her son, John, whom at a very young age had memorized many Bible passages and hymns. Mrs. Newton made sure that her boy knew Jesus and lifted him in prayer to her Heavenly Father daily. John was about seven years old when his mama passed away, but he recalled her constant, tearful prayers for him.

After her death, John alternated between boarding school and the high seas, wanting to live a good life but constantly fighting the pull of temptation. John started to fall deep into sin. A short time after being pressed into service with the British Navy, he deserted. John was captured and flogged. His thoughts, at that point, vacillated between murder and suicide. He later recalled, “I was capable of anything!�. John was living the type of life found only in stories of fiction. As he embarked on more sea voyages, dangers, toils, and snares followed him.

On the night of March 9, 1748, John Newton, who was 23 at the time, was awoken by a brutal storm that came upon the boat all too suddenly, leaving the crew in great peril. The next day, John cried out to God and later wrote, “That tenth of March is a day much remembered by me; and I have never suffered it to pass unnoticed since the year 1748â€" the Lord came from on high and delivered me out of deep waters.â€� John was speaking both literally and spiritually. Over the next several years, John Newton experienced a slow, and often paused, spiritual growth; but in the end he became one of the most powerful evangelical preachers in British history, as well as the author of hundreds of hymns.

Amazing Grace!

 How Sweet the Sound!

 That saved a Wretch like Me!

 I once was lost, but now I'm found;

 Was blind, but now I see.

Thro’ many dangers,

toils and snares

I have already come.

 â€˜Tis grace that brought me safe thus far,

 and Grace will lead me home.²

Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, I am so undeserving of your Amazing Grace; yet, over and over, your merciful hand reaches down and saves me from the sinful snares in which I find myself. Thank you for loving a wretch like me! Thank you for always bringing me back to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. Ephesians 1:7 (NKJV).

2. “Amazing Grace� by John Newton (1779).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.