We can make our plans,
but the LORD determines our steps.
Proverbs 16:9 NLT

Before we knew God’s story, we made a mess of our own. Even afterward, we’re prone to demand our own way, cut our own path, and hurt people in the process. Can God make good out of our bad?

He did with Paul.

“As I journeyed and came near Damascus . . . suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me . . .” (Acts 22:6–7).

“I’m going to give you a taste of your own medicine.”
“Back to the dust with you, you Christian-killer.”
“Prepare to meet your Maker!”

Did Paul expect to hear words like these? Regardless, he didn’t. Even before he requested mercy, he was offered mercy. Jesus told him, “I have a job for you. . . . I’m sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see. . . . I’m sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family” (Acts 26:16–18 MSG).

Jesus transformed Paul, the card-carrying legalist, into a champion for mercy. Who would have thought? Yet who would be better qualified? Paul could write epistles of grace by dipping his pen into the inkwell of his own heart. He learned about love when Jesus paid him a personal visit on Damascus Highway.

Lucado, Max (2015-12-20T22:58:59). God Is With You Every Day . Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.