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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n Since it\u2019s the beginning of a new year, it seemed fitting to feature this song in January. Also, as you\u2019ll later see, January 1, 2023, was the 250th<\/sup> anniversary of \u201cAmazing Grace\u201d. Today, I want to give a few details about John Newton\u2019s life, as well as what inspired him to write this song:<\/p>\n\n\n\n John Newton was born in 1725, and, as his mother died before he was seven, his sea captain father was soon bringing him along on voyages. As John grew up, he became more and more rebellious. He got into drinking, and even tried to desert the British Navy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After being forced into servanthood to a slave trader in West Africa, John eventually escaped and began the journey home. On the way, he faced the most violent storm of his life, and the near brush with death led him to begin seeking God after returning to England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It wasn\u2019t until later, after several years working as a slave ship master, that John finally came to Christ. He abandoned the slave trade and devoted his life to God\u2019s service. He wrote 280 hymns during his lifetime, including his most well-known, \u201cAmazing Grace\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAmazing Grace\u201d was written on New Year\u2019s Day, 1773, for a sermon John preached. It seems that, as many of us do at the beginning of the year, John was reflecting back on the life that God had led him through, and looking forward to the path ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While our life stories might not be as dramatic as John Newton\u2019s, it\u2019s another testimony to how we can use God\u2019s hand in our lives to write beautiful poetry. No matter how many years you have behind you, you should always be able to testify of God\u2019s grace to you. Use the experiences He has led you through to encourage, enlighten, and strengthen others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n