By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
1 Timothy 1:15-16 "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-- of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life."- NIV
Paul did much havoc to the cause of the gospel with a mind to destroy it. But on the day of encounter with the risen glorified Jesus on the Damascus road, his story completely changed. He saw how sinful he was. He now describes himself as the worst of sinners saved by God’s grace. He became a perfect example of the display of God’s mercy and unlimited patience to sinners. He preached the same gospel, sealing it with his life!
Everyone has a story. Some seem straight with few bad incidents in life. Some are miracles and testimonies of hopeless cases come alive. They can’t believe they are where they are today. Whatever your story is, good or ugly, nice or nasty, God purposes it for His glory and your good. He never wastes any experience we go through, whether through our mistakes, or the enemy’s creation to destabilize us. Unfortunately, some people’s stories end terribly before they see the good that can come out of it! Even out of the worst situations of life, something good can come out. God can turn it around for good.
The God Who turned a Saul into a Paul preaching the very gospel he once sought to destroy can turn your story around. He changed Joseph’s and Job’s stories. It doesn’t need to end in misery and hopeless resignation to fate. God gives everyone a chance to turn to Him and have their story change. And you will one day look back, like everyone else whose story changed, and appreciate the mercies of a God who brings beauty out of gloom, ashes and heaps of rubble – as Joseph confessed.
Genesis 50:20 "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
Shalom children of God.