You "Ain’t" Who You Used To Be!
But all who heard him were astounded and said, “Isn’t this the man who, in Jerusalem, was destroying those who called on this name and then came here for the purpose of taking them as prisoners to the chief priests?” (Acts 9:21)
After his encounter with Jesus –the Apostle Paul’s life drastically changed! The same man who previously mistreated and wreaked havoc on believers was now preaching and proclaiming the name of Christ. The people were shocked. They could not believe what they were seeing.
By the power of Christ Paul was a different man.
But the people were focused on who he used to be.
But the people were focused on who he used to be.
There are times when this can happen in our lives as well. People remember when you:
-Were the first in line for the club on Friday night
-Were involved in ungodly relationships
-Had a mouth like a sailor
-Were a regular at happy hour ( and not for the half price appetizers..😃)
They focus on remembering when instead of celebrating the renewed you!
If the people who you knew you then (whether they be friends or family) aren’t supportive of your walk with Christ and the lifestyle changes you are making it is possible that they can become a hindrance to where you are headed. They see the changes that God is making in your life – yet they still focus on who you used to be. At times even trying to make you feel bad about it. I know I have gotten the “she think she better than, holy roller comments.” It can be hurtful at times but we can’t get stuck living in people memories of who we used to be. We need to be like Paul who in spite of his critics “kept increasing in strength” (Acts 9:22) confounding those around him.
So What’s The Point?: The reality is an encounter with Jesus should change you. Those around us should be amazed at the work that God is doing in our lives. Share your testimony of God’s transformative power in your life with someone and gracefully keep pressing forward. Let your light shine loves. It doesn’t matter who you used to be. What matters is who you are becoming.
Until Next Time!
~xoxo~
