1 Timothy 1:12-13,16 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. (NLT)

A lot of the times when we read Paul’s writings, we forget about how painful his past might have been for the calling God had for him. He blasphemed, persecuted Christians, and now God wanted him to preach to the same people he hurt.

Think about your past; think about how sin was taking you far away from knowing your Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. But God had mercy on you! It doesn’t matter what you did two years ago or yesterday, Jesus already died for that.

All you need to do is to turn from the sinful lifestyle, repent and believe that Jesus died for you and specifically to set you free on a daily basis. For Romans 3:23 says for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (NASB), which means that we all are unworthy to represent God’s glory here on earth; yet God still uses us. The Lord uses imperfect people to manifest his full perfection. 

God sees through your mistakes and your brokenness and still chooses to love you. No matter how much you try to hide away, He just wants to be with You. Jesus sees through all your past, present and future mistakes and He says: I CHOOSE YOU trustworthy child of God, and I appoint you to serve ME today! 

Don’t let your past keep you from serving God. The memories will surface from time to time, but don’t let it triumph over the purpose that God has for you.

As we step into this new season: Receive God’s mercy; Live a life of freedom; Share that freedom with others!