I am persuaded that every believer will see enough in his or her own life to confirm this, but not all in the same degree. The outward circumstances … - John Newton

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I am persuaded that every believer will see enough in his or her own life to confirm this, but not all in the same degree. The outward circumstances of many Christians appear the same. They have not been through extreme circumstances of one kind or another. Inwardly, a spiritual change has been effected without notice by others and almost unperceived by themselves. The Lord has spoken to them, not in thunder and tempest, but with a still small voice He has drawn them gradually to Himself. Although they have a confident assurance that they know and love Him and have passed from death unto life, they cannot relate any great details of a drastic change.
Others He seems to select in order to show the exceeding riches of His grace and the greatness of His mighty power. He allows the natural rebellion and wickedness of their hearts to completely express itself. Even though they sin willfully against God, they are spared from death while other sinners are cut off with little warning. Just when all who know them are expecting to hear that God has brought down divine vengeance upon them, the Lord, (whose thoughts are high above ours, as the heavens are
higher than the earth) is pleased to pluck them like brands out of the fire. He makes them monuments of His mercy for the encouragement of others. They are-contrary to expectation-convinced, pardoned, and changed.