Every school year, my 9th grade English classes participate in a Personal Narrative Essay unit as a standard part of the curriculum.  I like to teach this unit at the beginning of the school year because I gain a little insight into the inner workings of my kiddos when I read their completed essays. They brainstorm about events in their life that have made a significant impact, and then they describe the impact in detail in the last paragraph of their paper.  The stories can range from something as simple as getting hit in the face with a football to a family falling apart.  I laugh.  I cry.  But I thank God for each student placed in my care for the school year and their willingness to share something personal with me in these assignments.

Every year, before we begin the writing process, I share a personal story with them.  I usually share the story of the West Brook bus accident that occurred in 2006 and how it significantly impacted my own life.  I share with them that I accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Savior when I was 12 years old, but that I didn’t start acting like it until I was 27 and didn’t die in a bus accident.  I go on to tell them some details about my teenage years and early twenties that reveal to my students some of the incredibly bad choices I made during those years of my life.  I end up letting them know that I believe God spoke to me after the tragic day of the accident and said, “I’m not done with you yet.  You have a job to do.”  And then I tell them that I didn’t feel worthy to do a job for God–not after all the mistakes I’ve made in my life.  No way!  He couldn’t use ME!  I’ve made too many mistakes!

Oh, but friends, He did!  It doesn’t matter how many mistakes you have made, or how many times you think you are to a point where God can no longer use you for His kingdom.  The Bible illustrates how God uses flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes, emphasizing that perfection is not required for God to work through someone. Figures like Noah, Moses, and Saul demonstrate this truth.

Noah, despite his faithfulness in building the ark (Genesis 6) and leading his family through the flood, fell into sin through drunkenness (Genesis 9:20-21). However, his legacy remains one of remarkable faith (Hebrews 11:7). Moses, despite his initial reluctance and past mistakes, such as murder (Exodus 2:12), was chosen by God to lead Israel out of Egypt. His endurance and commitment to God’s plan are highlighted in Hebrews 11:25, where it is said that Moses chose to suffer with God’s people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. Saul, who persecuted Christians, was dramatically transformed after encountering Christ on the road to Damascus. He became Paul, a devoted apostle who endured great hardships for the sake of the Gospel (Acts 26:9-11). His story reminds us that God can redeem and repurpose anyone, regardless of their past.

Ephesians 1:7 underscores the message of redemption, stating that through Christ’s sacrifice, we receive forgiveness and grace. Similarly, Paul’s reflection in 1 Corinthians 15:9-11 highlights that God’s grace can transform even the least worthy into powerful instruments for His glory.

Be encouraged today that God wants you to share your own personal narrative with people because He delights in using imperfect people for His purposes, offering hope that He can use anyone willing to humble themselves and embrace His grace.