11 Jul Amazing Grace Right Now

Todd Fetters, Devonshire Church, Harrisburg, Pa.
At a recent funeral, I heard the classic hymn “Amazing Grace.” The familiar second line of the first stanza has since stuck in my mind: “I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.”

While it is true that Christ saved me when I was a mere seven years old, it is also true that Christ is still saving me. And because of God’s amazing grace in the last 12 months, I could easily amend the second line to read, “I was stuck, but I’m progressing, was discouraged, but now am hopeful.”

Okay, so my amended lyrics don’t flow as well. My point is this: God’s grace is always amazing. We make a huge mistaken when we think God’s grace is amazing only in relation to our moment of salvation. God’s grace has got to be amazing to you right now…in the past week…in the past month…in the past year.

I’ll bet you can point to ways in which God’s continuing transformational grace has recently touched and transformed some aspect of your life. You could amend the lyrics to “Amazing Grace” just like I did. Here are a few other edits that I think would be relevant to Christians today:

• Last year I was stingy with my time, abilities and money, but now am generous.
• A week ago I was addicted (to gambling, alcohol, sleep, entertainment, pornography), but now I’m free.
• Last month I was distrusting, but now I’m trusting.
• I once was discontent, but now I’m satisfied.
• Yesterday I was scared, but now I’m at peace.
• A month ago I was angry, but now I’m loving.
• Two years ago I was overly competitive, but now am compassionate.
• Five years ago I was depressed, but now I’m filled with joy.
• Six months ago I was disobedient, but now I’m walking in obedience.
• I once was bitter, but now I’m forgiving.

What lyrics would you choose to describe your most recent encounter with God’s amazing grace?