Your Past is not your Destiny

11" I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being."

Galatians 1:13-16

22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judeathat are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they praised God because of me."

Galatians 1:22-24

I was so awkward in middle school. I'm only moderately awkward now, and have learned to use humor to deflect from my insecurities. But when I was eleven, I was Urkel’s dream girl. I remember one time I got sent to the principle office for writing my name on the bathroom wall and my mom wasn't even mad. She was just glad I had some form of gumption in me. During recess I would dissect wasps on the tire swing with my only friend, who shall remain nameless, and if he ever reads this I hope can forgive me for resurfacing this tragic tale. We would play with bugs and sing old rock songs we had heard our dads sing. We were so cool. Moving on to high school, I was a cheerleader, but not like the cute peppy kind. I wore glasses, but was also scrawny so they would throw me in the air at halftime and I'd hold onto my glasses and hope I'd be cool by the time I came back down. My later years of high school were just as awkward, only I had a car, so the awkwardness was more mobile. You're welcome Nashville.

But I am 22 years old now, and I know longer write on walls, play with bugs or attempt cheerleading or any other sport for that matter. God does not allow our past to be our future. And though I am using my middle school self as a metaphor here, we all evolve into different people. Paul was a man who persecuted Christians! He condemned those who followed Jesus. But when God renewed him, when God entered his life at full force, Paul was able to evolve into the man God intended him to be. Paul became one of the most influential missionaries in the Bible, dedicating his life to introducing people to Jesus. His life made a 180-degree turn all from the gentle hand of God.

If you’ve ever thought your life is too messy, too sinful, too awkward to be a follower of Jesus, look at Paul. Your life can take a 180-degree turn simply by allowing Gods hand to sweep in and make a change. Nothing is too big or too bad for God to forgive and renew. Your past is not your destiny.