Paul had a hard life AFTER he came into God's family. Sometimes we think that having Jesus as our Savior means that we will have less problems. But that is rarely the case. More often than not times will get worse. However, we need to do what Paul said in his letter to the church of Philippi, "Press toward the mark". He literally said that we should forget the past and keep our eyes on the goal, which is the high calling of God in Christ.
Many times our futures are tied up and hampered by the fetters of our past. We think that we can't be used by God because we are too far gone and have done too many bad things. Thus our past life becomes an excuse for why God won't use us now nor in future ministry. If Paul had thought that way he would have never been used to write thirteen of the New Testament letters and half of the book of Acts would be nonexistent.
Paul was a Pharisees, or Jesus hater, he was a murderer a mob leader, he hated the Way and did everything in his power to kill it. He agreed to Stephen's stoning. How could he ever expect to be used to share the life changing message of the Gospel?
Christ does things like that doesn't he? He transforms a life and he put our past life to rest in transforming salvation. That is what happened to Paul. He forgot the past. He could do nothing else. And neither can you. Forget what happened in the past. Ask forgiveness of those whom you have offended and confess your sins to your forgiving Father. Then ask him to use you in his service.
The view from here on out is Christ's presence. Keep that pretty view in mind and fond memories will follow.
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