I wish I knew Jesus earlier

What was your life like before you met Jesus?

Maybe, you are one of the people who wish they had known Jesus even before certain happenings in their lives. 

Alternatively, you could have known Jesus by His name, but never realized His presence when you were so busy trying to find happiness in this world.

Some people grew up in the church, but never encountered Jesus.

Although they have heard stories about Him, there was no impact on them until they allowed Jesus to enter their lives.

Reflecting on “What ifs” If Only You Knew Jesus?

What if you knew Him before you got addicted to drugs or alcohol? Maybe you have continued your studies and have a successful career.

What if you knew Jesus before you got divorced? Then, you could have prayed and asked Him to restore your marriage.

What if you knew Jesus before you wasted all your money on gambling? Then, maybe you would have the power to say No to these temptations.

What if you knew Jesus before you hurt your loved ones out of your resentment? Then, maybe you may still enjoy your good relationship with them.

We all have regrets in life, but the good news is that you already know that Jesus exists.

When you accept Him as your Lord and Savior, all your past is gone, and Jesus has given you a chance to start a new life with Him. 

They say that you can never undo your past, but with God’s amazing grace, you can start another journey with Him.

Before Apostle Paul knew Jesus

Apostle Paul’s life is an excellent example of how he was transformed because of knowing Jesus.

Before he knew Jesus, maybe he thought he could have saved and protected many Christians’ lives instead of leading the people to kill them.

Moreover, people knew him as Saul from Tarsus. He was a zealous man of the Jewish faith.

Saul had a deep devotion and lived his life obeying Judaism. He even thought that Yahweh called him to believe that Jesus was an imposter and a liar.

Another, he was there when Stephen, the first Christian martyr, died. Acts 7:57-60 says that he approved the killing.

Saul had a hardened heart to the message and followers of Jesus. He is dedicated to persecuting those who spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Jesus’ Intervention

In Acts 9:3-6, they noted that Saul intended to stop Christians, but on his way to Damascus, Jesus intervened in his life. This event was the turning point in Saul’s life and the beginning of his extraordinary mission for God.

God blinded Saul to make him realize he rejected and persecuted the long-awaited Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Then, God healed Saul through Ananias, one of the believers during that time.

He used Saul’s temporary blindness to help him see what Jesus could do and to soften his stone heart.

It was a physical healing and spiritual renewal.

God used Paul for Greatness

When Saul was converted, he was named Paul and became one of the most influential apostles and believers in Christian history.

He joined the mission of the apostles to spread the Gospel of Salvation. 

Later on, he pioneered churches, wrote letters, and led a ministry where men and women belonged to proclaiming the Gospel and building up the church.

Paul passionately offered his life to the great commission and set his heart to loving the church and winning souls for God’s kingdom.

What can We Learn from Apostle Paul’s Life?

Learn from Your Past

No matter how dark your past is, when you accept Jesus Christ and let Him take over your life.

He does not only cleanse your sins but also gives you a new heart and life. 

When we confess our faith in Jesus and accept His sacrifice, the Holy Spirit fills us, and God cleanses us.

God had placed the weight of our sins on Jesus, and He washed it away through his blood. 

You may still struggle with the guilt of your past. But when you trust Jesus and accept Him, remember you are free.

One of the most excellent satisfaction of becoming Christ’s follower is that even if we are imperfect, God has kept no records of our wrongdoings.  

Dwelling in your past allows satan to feed your guilt and destroy your God-given purpose for you.

So, move on and continue with the new life that Jesus gave when you knew and accepted Him.

If Apostle Paul still reminisced about his past even after he met Jesus in Damascus, then he might not have moved forward and participated in God’s mission. 

Isaiah 43:18-19 says we must forget the old things and not dwell on the past. God told His people that He was doing a new thing.

He is making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. 

When God redeems you, He forgets your past and gives you a new life. So stop letting satan bring out your history to stop you from enjoying your salvation.

Just when you thought your life was good, but when Jesus intervened and let you know Him, He made your life better. 

Do Not Let Your Past Hinder God’s Plan

Just like Paul, God did not just save you but also chose you to be part of His mission. You are saved to serve Him and share the joy that you have received with others. 

Paul is a murderer, yet God’s plan for him is also to be an instrument for the salvation of many people.

Your past does not define what God has prepared for you when you allow Him to intervene.

Jesus has lightened your darkest moment to help you see that His plans are way better than ours.

He will transform your brokenness into breakthroughs if you surrender everything unto His cross. 

Your brokenness could be your testimony to give hope to people in the same situation you had before.

God’s plan is for you to share the joy, hope, and forgiveness you received with those still broken and lost. 

The devil could use your past. But remember, 1 John 4: 5 says you can overcome because the One who is in you is greater than the one in the world.