He looked beyond my fault

‘Amazing Grace’ shall always be my song of praise
For it was Grace that bought my liberty
I do not know, just why he came to love me so
He looked beyond my fault and saw my need

I love this song’s language and message. It reminds me of the ‘gospel hall’ of my childhood where grace and salvation were central themes, and the love of Jesus and the cross at Calvary was the central story. I came to a simple young faith

This faith continued with me into my teenage years. I learnt more, understood more, did more. I believed it and wanted to share it. I was a disciple of Jesus with a growing faith that I passionately believed.

We got married. We led church holiday Bible clubs and Christian youth groups. We had children. We were a Christian family, doing Christian things, passing on this message of faith, love and hope… God was using me to lead others to faith and discipleship.

And I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary
To view that cross where Jesus died for me
How marvellous the Grace that caught my falling soul?
He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

Then life happened. Work took all of my time and effort; church leadership  demanded that I did the right thing. Life became more complicated. Good people did bad things. People who called themselves Christians acted in less Christ-like ways than friends who weren’t ‘Christians’.

I questioned the simple faith that was just grace, salvation and the cross. I took my faith apart… The simple faith of the child and young man was longer fit for purpose. I never lost faith, but it had to be rebuilt.

Coming through my questions and confusion I rediscovered Jesus, the suffering servant, revolutionary teacher… my inspiration, mentor, hope… I return, with hopefully more wisdom, humility and maturity, to a personal God of amazing grace… who looks beyond my faults and sees my need.