Book Review - Captured by Grace

I couldn't wait to start reading this book because I wanted to learn more about the life of John Newton, writer of the song "Amazing Grace". When I started the book the prelude immediately drew me in with two vignettes from the lives of John Newton and the apostle Paul. I had never really stopped to think about Paul's life before he became a follower of Christ. This book drew beautiful parallels between Paul's life, Newton's life and all our lives before we choose to follow Jesus.

This book isn't so much a biography of Paul or Newton as a focused look at God's grace as evidenced in both their lives. Of course, it also discusses how grace affects the lives of all who accept God's gift of grace. In addition to looking at the lives of the apostle Paul and John Newton, the book also introduces other Christians who have chosen to trust God even in extremely difficult circumstances. I especially enjoyed learning the stories of missionary Helen Roseveare and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Even though each of these women suffered in different ways, God used each of them to further His kingdom. One quote from Helen Roseveare which especially tugged at my heart was, " Can you thank Me for trusting you with this experience, even if I never tell you why?" We may not always understand why we are suffering but God's grace is sufficient in all circumstances.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to spend more time focusing on God's grace. It is thought-provoking, yet easy to read.

In the interest of disclosure, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but the views expressed here are entirely my own.