What is your past like? If you’re like me there are things you would rather not talk about. There are things in your past, and may in your present day, that makes you feel less than. Things that make you feel unloved, unredeemable, and beyond hope. This was me at one point. During my days of active alcoholism I did some things that weren’t proud worthy. Things that made me feel unworthy of love. During those days my greatest skill was manipulation. I used people to my advantage. Today, I am a different person. Being a different person had very little to do with me and much more to do with Jesus. My Damascus Road experience came on September 16, 1993. This day forever changed my life.
Saul was a prominent religious leader and a persecutor of those who followed Jesus. He was responsible for hunting down many followers and oversaw their death for following Jesus. The man, Saul, was on his way to Damascus one day when he had an experience that forever altered his path in life. As he was traveling along he experienced a bright light and a voice saying : "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” (Acts 9:4). When Saul asked who was speaking to him, the reply was “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:5). Saul was blinded and was led to a house in Damascus, where he stayed a few days. Ananias was instructed by the Lord to go to Saul and pray for him. When Ananias did as he was instructed and Saul regained his sight. Saul became known as the apostle Paul, the person responsible for most of the New Testament books. Paul’s redemption story can be found in Acts 9:1-31.
Why would I tell this story? Because it is a great redemption story. It reveals to us the redeeming power of Jesus. It shows us that no matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done Jesus can turn it around. Our past doesn’t disqualify us from God’s love. God loves us. God wants to redeem our broken past. As humans we all fall short of God’s expectations. But there is an answer to our brokenness. The answer is the same answer that Saul found on the Damascus Road. Our past, regardless of how bad, will eventually lead us to Jesus. What we do with it is up to us. Saul could have shook his fist at Jesus and denied Him, but he didn’t and his life was forever changed. When I had my Damascus Road experience I had a choice to make. I chose Jesus, and my life has been forever changed.
Have you had a Damascus Road experience? Maybe you’re traveling on a Damascus Road today. If so, say yes to Jesus. Let Him take your past and turn it into something good. From my experience, there’s no better way to turn your past around.
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