Newton, Rembrandt, Storms and Following Jesus

Discipleship, Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

On Sunday, January 26th, we walked through Mark 4:35-41 (“The Lord of the Storm”) and discussed, in part, the role of life’s storms as instruments in the hands of God. During my preparation I came across a poem by John Newton (most famously known for writing Amazing Grace) called Prayers Answered by Crosses. What he calls “crosses” we spoke of as “storms”. I didn’t have time to read it on that Sunday, but I still wanted to share it as an encouragement. If you’re currently in the middle of a storm or you’re praying to know God more deeply, you should read this and take heart. In God’s hands, no storm is in vain.

Prayer Answered by Crosses

By John Newton

I asked the Lord that I might grow
In faith and love and every grace,
Might more of his salvation know,
And seek more earnestly his face.

‘Twas he who taught me thus to pray;
And he, I trust, has answered prayer;
But it has been in such a way
As almost drove me to despair.

I hoped that, in some favoured hour,
At once he’d answer my request,
And by his love’s constraining power
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this, he made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart,
And let the angry powers of hell
Assault my soul in every part.

Yea, more, with his own hand he seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe,
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

Lord, why is this? I trembling cried;
Wilt thou pursue this worm to death?
This is the way, the Lord replied
I answer prayer for grace and faith.

These inward trials I now employ
From self and pride to set thee free,
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou may’st seek thy all in me.

Also, I love history and art, particularly when they come together. The image above is a famous painting by Rembrandt, “Christ in the Storm on the Lake of Galilee”. If you look closely, you can see that Rembrandt painted himself into the scene. He’s in the middle of the boat looking out at you. That, of course, is fitting because the reality is we’re all in the boat with Christ at the helm. So, hang tight. He’s with you in the storm.

Christ is all!
Pastor Adam