This past week, I’ve been challenging myself to wake up earlier, before the kids, before the noise, before the day begins, to spend time in the quiet, in the Word. The first few days were a win. I was up, the house was still, coffee in hand, and I had time to read and pray without interruption. It felt so good, like, yes, I can do this!

And then… there was today.

Let’s just say the snooze button and I had a long morning together. But I opened my Bible and landed in 1 Timothy, one of my favorite books, and reread a passage I always come back to: 1 Timothy 1:12-17.

This section is where Paul shares his testimony. And it never fails to move me.

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If you’re not familiar with Paul’s backstory, buckle up. He wasn’t always Paul. He started out as Saul, and let’s just say, he was not the guy you’d want leading your Bible study. Before he knew Christ, he was Saul, a fierce persecutor of Christians. He didn’t just dislike followers of Jesus; he hunted them down. He sought out men and women who worshiped Jesus and had them imprisoned or even killed. Honestly, if sin were ranked, Saul would’ve been top five. He was feared by believers everywhere.

While Saul was on his way to Damascus, ironically, to arrest more Christians, Jesus literally stopped him in his tracks. A bright light from heaven flashed around him, and he heard the voice of the Lord say, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4). He was blinded, confused, and shaken to the core.

Saul had to be led by hand into the city. Can you imagine? One moment you’re full of pride and purpose (though the wrong kind), and the next, you’re helpless and blind, waiting on further instructions from a God you didn’t believe in.

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Enter Ananias, a devout follower of Jesus and the exact type of person Saul had been hunting. God tells Ananias in a vision to go to Saul, lay hands on him, and restore his sight.

I can’t help but think how terrified Ananias must’ve been. This man was known for killing people like him! But he obeyed. He trusted God more than he feared Saul.

Ananias finds Saul, lays his hands on him, and something like scales falls from Saul’s eyes. He’s baptized, filled with the Holy Spirit, and his entire life is changed. Just like that.

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In 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Paul reflects on his past and the incredible mercy God showed him:

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy… The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”
(1 Timothy 1:12-14)

He doesn’t sugarcoat his past. He calls himself “the worst of sinners”, but not in a shameful way. He’s in awe of the mercy he received. And he goes on to say:
“But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.”
(1 Timothy 1:16)

That’s the gospel right there. That’s hope!

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Paul went from persecuting Christians to being persecuted for Christ. He ended up writing 13 books of the New Testament, traveling, preaching, planting churches, and leading countless people to Jesus. All because God interrupted his life with grace.

His story reminds me that no one is too far gone. No past is too messy. No heart is too hardened. God delights in redemption stories.

If God can transform a murderer into a missionary, He can use you. He can use me. Paul’s past didn’t disqualify him from ministry, it became part of the message.

Paul’s story isn’t about how awesome Paul became. It’s about how deep and wide and patient God’s love really is.

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You Have a Testimony, Too

Paul went on to preach the gospel, plant churches, and give his life for Jesus. But his starting point? A moment of brokenness, blindness, and surrender.

So don’t discount your own story. God’s not done with you.

You might not have a “Damascus road” experience, but if you’ve encountered Jesus, you have a testimony worth sharing. Because His grace hasn’t changed. His mercy is still abundant. And His plans for you? They’re still unfolding.