This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance:  “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”-and I am the worst of them. But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate His extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.  1 Timothy 1:15-16 HCSB

We often think we’ve messed up so badly there is no hope. We feel like giving up because we don’t think we can make things right. Paul preceded our Scripture passage today by being thankful that even though he blasphemed God and persecuted Christians, God chose to use Him.

In our Scripture passage, he is saying that what he did was so awful, and he describes himself as the worst of the sinners. Let’s face it, the man was persecuting Christians. He was on his way to persecute more Christians when he encountered Jesus on the Damascus Road. Jesus asked him, “Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?” Jesus was saying if you persecute my children, you are persecuting me.

His name was changed from Saul to Paul and from that point forward he worked for God drawing others to Jesus instead of persecuting Christians. If God can use someone like Saul, He can certainly use you. Maybe you’ve done some really bad things. Maybe you have some sinful habits you can’t even imagine giving up. Trust me, He can help you overcome these things, whatever they may be.

We are all sinners, but the good news is Jesus welcomed sinners when he walked this earth, and He still does. He reached out to sinful people. He spent time with sinners. Of course, some criticized Him for doing so. Jesus responded to this criticism in Matthew 9:12 by saying, “Those who are well don’t need a doctor, but the sick do.”

Jesus is our great Counselor. He is our Healer. If you are bogged down in sin and can’t see a way out, turn to Him. Repent of your sin and trust in Him. Surrender it all to Him, the good, the bad, and the ugly. He can use a sinner like you. I know because He has used a sinner like me. None of us are perfect but praise God, when we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Paul is a wonderful example of this. We know that sin is sin, there are no levels of severity. There are no misdemeanor sins or felony sins. But you have to admit what Paul did was horrible. He repented and was forgiven. He was an ambassador for Christ for the rest of his days on this earth. God used Him as an example.

God can use you. He can make you the person He needs you to be if you will only surrender to Him. I promise it’s a decision you will never regret. No sin can give you the eternal joy found in Jesus Christ. No sin can give you peace, it will only eventually bring you pain.

Turn to Him today, trust in Him, and accept Him as your Lord and Savior. There is no sin you have committed that Jesus’ blood can’t wash away.

Have a great day!