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I share stories every morning. But these aren’t just stories I’ve made up or created. They’re moments from my life.

I don’t share them for acknowledgment, praise, or recognition. This is simply me sharing from my heart the lessons I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way.

Memories of times past, like a gift I received at Christmas as a child.

Or the time I started driving.

Or a tough lesson from the ball court.

Things I’ve faced with family, friends, and co-workers.

Death. Struggles. Overcoming challenges. My weaknesses.

But out of all the stories I’ve told, out of all the examples I’ve shared, the greatest example should be…

Me.

But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.” — 1 Timothy 1:16 (NLT)

This.

Paul said it best.

He knew who he was before Christ. Everyone knew who he was before Christ. He was known for his character, his actions, his sin.

But God…

Rich in mercy.

He met Paul right where he was, and He changed him.

Paul spent years learning the truth about the Scriptures he thought he knew. He experienced the depth of Jesus’ love. He discovered God’s mercy.

The Holy Spirit changed Paul from the inside out. And his changed life would become one of the most dramatic stories of transformation.

And it was real.

His life was a living testimony to the God of restoration. The Lord of all the earth and our souls. Our Redeemer.

The words of that beautiful hymn, *Wonderful, Merciful Savior*, remind us of the wonder of a Savior who rescues our souls.

And yet God did just that.

And He still does today.

The greatest story I can share isn’t some well-crafted tale from the third grade or even the most beautiful love story of meeting and marrying the man of my dreams.

It’s that God could use me as an example to you that anyone can be saved.

If God was gracious enough to offer me, a wretched sinner, salvation, then imagine what He can do for you.

His love and grace are available to anyone who will call upon Him.

Anyone.

No matter what you’ve done, where you’ve been, or what you’ve believed in the past, God offers you forgiveness right now.

And He has a purpose and plan for your life.

Will you accept His invitation?

Today can be the day your story changes.

Surrender to the Lord.

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