“He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4)

     Saul of Tarsus, later to be named Paul, was well-known for persecuting Christians.  He was one of their biggest enemies.  Finally, one day he gets a wake-up call.  It’s the voice of Jesus asking, “why do you persecute me?” This is what brought about his conversion to Christianity.

     Paul’s actions of the past seemed irreversible, but God had other plans in mind.  Paul would go on to become a truly bold proclaimer of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he wrote a large portion of the New Testament.  His past didn’t define what God would do for him. 

     Nor does our past define who we are, or what God will do for us.  We can put the past behind us, and in doing so, accept the transforming power and the new life we live as people of God.  All are welcome into the kingdom of God, and this kingdom stands forever.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for this new life.  Regarding the past, I have some regrets, but you have changed my way of thinking and have challenged me to move forward with your plans for the eternal life I have found in you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.