Can you imagine seeing some of the most violent assaults inflicted upon other human beings? 

Can you imagine witnessing grown adults wail in the most excruciating pangs of anguish? 

Can you imagine watching someone die in front of you, due to blunt force trauma?

Can you imagine bearing the brunt of false accusations concerning your background, abilities, motives, and character?

What type of memories will such trauma instill? What mental images are burned into your mind when thinking back on such things? How would you not only work through such things inwardly but respond to such challenges moving forward? 

Perhaps YOU CAN imagine, because YOU HAVE witnessed violence in the extreme. Perhaps YOU HAVE experienced deep anguish, yourself? Maybe you’ve encountered some very gruesome scenes. Perhaps you have had difficulties of your own, compounded by the hurts inflicted by those who profess to be Christlike. If so, you are not alone! Rather, you are in good company. 

Many others have also encountered traumatic situations and have found ways to overcome them. The Apostle Paul not only witnessed such horrible ordeals, but he was the cause of much suffering for others before his conversion (Acts 8:1-3; 26:9-11). Even after converting to Christ, he endured many afflictions for the sake of the gospel (Acts 9:16; 2 Corinthians 10:7-11; 11:22-33). But by the grace of God, he faithfully endured as a servant to others, becoming an example for others to follow! While some boast of their former conduct before becoming a Christian, others may suppress their memories of a lifestyle they escaped through the grace of God. It seems, however, that Paul used his memories and experiences of hardship as FUEL to serve the Lord with even more vigor (1 Corinthians 15:10; Philippians 3:12-16). If you have gone through traumatic experiences, you can use the grace given to you to serve others with even more passion and dedication.

12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 

13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 

14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 

15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 

16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.

17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

~ 1 Timothy 1:12-17