GRACE
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see. (Written 1772 by John Newton) Most recognised hymn in English speaking world.
“My life reveals a testimony of grace – God’s grace. In 1967 every time I heard Amazing Grace I wept. This song, so impacted me.
“The name Grace has appeared at least 4 times in our family line. My grandmother was a Grace. I remember her as strong, silent with an impacting presence. She was crippled and bedridden, but my mother and her sister shared her cared. My strongest memory was a picture of her with a book frame that sat over the top of her tummy, and on it sat an open Bible. As far as I can remember, she never shared anything in particular about her faith, but I believe she was one of several people who prayed for me.
“The name Grace has been woven through our family line for generations. It was carried by my aunt, given to my eldest sister and now appears in my granddaughter’s name.
“The words of Amazing Grace touched my heart long before I understood their meaning. It is only now, looking back, I can see how the theme of grace has accompanied me throughout my life, even appearing in the names of several generations of my family.
“My next-door neighbour in Mosgiel (Dunedin) where I was living at that time, had become a Christian. She was full of it. She gave her testimony to whoever would listen. I was one and that impacted me.
“On my right-hand side, neighbours were Sally Army (Salvation Army). They never specifically shared the gospel, but they shared through their kindness to me. They were always looking for some, often practical way, to show kindness. Mowing my lawn, or at the fence passing over scones. That impacted me too.
“There was a Bible Foundation lady who came to my door asking for donations for the Bible Society. I very ungraciously said I was not interested because I wasn’t saved. She probably went away and prayed up a storm for me! If anyone needed the Bible, it was me!
“These were all people I believe the Lord brought across my path as He wooed me. And the words of that powerful song Amazing Grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. How beautiful did that grace appear, the hour I first believed.
Romans 3:23–24 reminds us that “everyone has sinned. We all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God, in His grace, freely makes us right in His sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty of our sins.”
“Every time Amazing Grace came over the radio something moved in my heart. One day as I was talking about life with the women who had recently received salvation, she asked me a simple question ‘would you like to receive the Lord? I replied, ‘OH YES’.
“I was ripe fruit ready to be plucked from the tree. I was so thankful for her testimony that had helped bring me to Jesus. I was full on for the Lord. There was no turning back. I loved the Lord. All my thoughts centered on the Lord. I was Baptised in the Mosgiel church and every day of my life since then, I have experienced His faithfulness. I was hungry for all that God had to give me.
“A little later I received a Baptism of the Holy Spirit. As soon as hands were laid on me, I immediately received this gift and began to speak in tongues.
“By grace alone we are saved through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. There is nothing we can do to earn this gift, no amount of striving, good works, or personal effort can make us righteous before God. Salvation begins and ends with His grace. It is a gift freely given by a loving Father to undeserving sinners.
“My life is a testimony to grace and grace alone. Looking back, I can see God's hand at work in every season—through my failures, weaknesses, struggles, and victories. In His grace he lifted me when I was lost, carried me when I was weary, and restored me when I stumbled. Every blessing, every step of growth, and every evidence of transformation points not to my own strength, but to His faithfulness.
“There is nothing apart from God's grace that can justify a person. His grace is the foundation of our salvation, the source of our hope, and the assurance of our future. My story is not one of any personal achievement, but of a Saviour who loves me, redeemed me, and continues to work in me for my good and His glory.
“The words of another song have impacted me. You have led us thus far by your grace. You have led us by fire and cloud and you will lead us to Zion to look on your face. Oh blessed be God. Oh blessed be God. Blessed be God.
“I let the words flow over me and remember the perfect love He first showed me and continues to show me every day.
“1967 to 2026 thus far I have walked with the Lord 57 years. This is a testimony to the ‘hound of heaven’ – so named because He never gives up on us. I praise His name.
“Now as I continue to walk through life, the Holy Spirit draws me to speak to other people, sometimes of different races. People I don’t know and many who do not speak English well. Most recently I handed a lady a brochure I had with me. She said she really needed to hear about this Jesus. Another time as I spoke with someone, I felt to embrace this woman and whispered to her, Jesus loves you. A smile lit her face.
“As I look back over my life, I can see the hand of God’s grace at work over and over again. His grace has comforted me, strengthened me, and given me hope. It is fitting to end with the benediction in 2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17 “May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”