So, you want a fresh start but don’t think you deserve one? You feel unworthy to be a follower of Jesus. You wonder why he would want you on his team. You are ashamed of your past. You have a history of messes. You feel the heavy weight of guilt for the hurt you have caused. Well, let me introduce you to the apostle Paul and offer you a fresh start.

Paul was convinced that he should do everything possible to oppose Christians. He put many believers in prison, tried to force them to blaspheme the name of God, and participated in their being put to death. How would you like to have that on your resume? But then God interrupted his life and called Paul to follow him. God forgave his sins, removed the guilt, and enabled Paul to become a leader in the early church. Paul explained it this way:

1 Corinthians 15:8-10a
Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am….

Check out the last line in today’s passage. Paul said, “But by the grace of God I am what I am.” By God’s grace—undeserved, unearned favor—the heavenly Father forgave and restored Paul, turning him loose to do great things for the kingdom. He will do the same for you. Are you ready to let him? Are you ready for a fresh start? Pray with me.

Dear Father, I know I have sinned against you, and I accept responsibility for the things I have done. I am sorry. I am sorry for turning my back on you. I am sorry for my rebellion against you. I am so very sorry for the hurt that my sin has caused others. I am undeserving of your love. I can’t do anything to clean up my past, but right now, I am asking you to forgive me. I ask you to restore me. I ask you to change me. I ask you for a fresh pouring of your grace on my life. I thank you for I know that only by your grace I am what I am. In Jesus’ name. Amen.