Moses, a murderer, became known as one of the best leaders in Israel’s history. He led his people out of bondage and was the giver of the law.

Rahab, a prostitute, saved two of Israel’s spies and became one of Jesus’ ancestors.

King Mannasah, idol worshipper who sacrificed children to his god Molech, turned his life around, became a good King and is also in Jesus’ heritage.

Matthew, a tax collector, despised by his countrymen because of his greed and unfair taxation, became an apostle, writer of the Gospel, and a martyr.

Peter, outspoken and denied Christ three times with cursing, became the leader of the new church.

Thomas, known as doubting Thomas, became an evangelist in India.

Saul, zealous persecutor of the church, became Paul zealous preacher of the gospel.

What do all of these people and you and I have in common? God’s grace, mercy, and redeeming power. None of us are beyond God’s redemption. None of us can mess up so badly that we are disqualified from our destiny. God has a purpose for you and no matter where you find yourself today, know that you are never, ever beyond God’s beautiful redemption.

Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest.
All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?” Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. (‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭9‬:‭1, 21-22‬ NLT)