Did you know not everyone received Paul’s message sent by God Himself? Remember that story of him being lowered down to escape in a basket? Some Bible stories would make the most suspenseful television.
Acts 9:23–25 (NIV)
“After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.”
2 Corinthians 11:32–33 (NIV)
“In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.”
People could focus on the worldly perspective of his past sinful actions as a murderer …and miss the entire life giving message God placed in his sermons and lessons.
They missed the life‑breathing lesson because they were too upset about the familiar deaths prior. They couldn’t let the worldly title go… couldn’t get past the unforgiveness. They missed the good fruit and the roots of the Gospel…grace, mercy, purpose, talents and a new creation. They chose to ignore, not ingest, his eternal calling, purpose and identity as an anointed minister of Christ.
From murderer to minister, no one is too far gone to be used by the hand of the mighty Lord.
Choose to see the present Paul’s in your life and stop focusing on their Saul pasts. Forgive, seek the wisdom God placed at the table, rest and then live the abundant life you were given. Claim it.
Let it also be an encouragement to those of us who might have a messy past. We can and will be used by the Lord to do something wonderful. You have so many unique gifts and talents, and you matter more than you know.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (CSB)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!”
Simply Blooming Grace 
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