18 Oct 2026
Your Past is a Platform | Difference Makers 2026 | Corey Abney
What if the past you thought disqualified you could become a platform for God to work?
In this message from Acts 9:1–16, Saul is on his way to Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus when an encounter with the risen Savior changes everything. A man known for persecuting the church is chosen to carry the name of Jesus to the world. His story reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
Sometimes, people define us by who we were instead of who we are. Our failures, family struggles, and painful experiences can feel like labels we’ll never escape. But when Jesus saves us, He gives us a new identity. The past that once defined us can become part of the story we share about His transforming power.
Saul had an impressive religious background. He knew the Scriptures, studied under a respected teacher, and strictly followed Jewish law. Yet he still needed to know Jesus personally. His encounter on the road to Damascus reminds us that salvation is found in a Person. Knowing about Jesus and participating in church activities cannot replace turning from sin and trusting Him as Savior.
When God calls Ananias to visit Saul, Ananias hesitates. He knows Saul’s reputation and the harm he has done to believers. But Jesus sees the purpose He has for Saul’s life: “He is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.”
God would use Saul’s education, knowledge of Scripture, familiarity with Greek culture, and Roman citizenship to open doors for the gospel. Even his history of persecuting Christians became part of his testimony to God’s mercy. The man who once tried to silence the name of Jesus would spend his life proclaiming it.
That same calling to carry His name reaches into our everyday lives. Whether you teach, care for patients, work with your hands, play an instrument, or compete in athletics, you have opportunities to make Jesus known. Your gifts and experiences can become a platform for pointing others to Him wherever He has placed you.
Your past, your failures, and the hurtful words or actions of others do not have the final word over your life. In Christ, you belong to Him, and your story can testify to His grace.
In this message, you’ll discover:
How Saul’s encounter with Jesus changed the direction of his life
Why religious knowledge cannot replace a personal relationship with Christ
What it means to turn from sin and trust Jesus as Savior
How God used Saul’s background to prepare him to share the gospel
Why your past does not disqualify you from being used by God
How your gifts, experiences, and everyday work can become a platform for ministry
What it means to carry the name of Jesus wherever you go
How your story can point others to God’s transforming grace
You cannot change your past, but you can trust Jesus with it. The parts of your story you once thought made you unusable may become opportunities to show others His mercy, faithfulness, and power.
📖 Acts 9:1–16
Make the most of your life and every opportunity you’ve been given to GLORIFY GOD.
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