devotional entry

Back in June, one of my favorite people gave me a book, a devotional, as an early birthday present. The entry for today, November 11, spoke directly to me. Perhaps it will to you as well.

exerpt from

A Cup of Comfort: Women of the Bible Devotional

edited by James Stuart Bell and Susan B. Townsend.

Life in the Light

Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.

Luke 8:2

• When Jesus met Mary, she was trapped in a dark world of endless nightmares. Shunned by the townspeople, she wandered alone and afraid, unable to enjoy even the simplest pleasures in life. Then Jesus healed her and made it possible for her to enter a world of light and laughter. No wonder she became one of His most devoted followers. I'm sure those who had known her before her miraculous change found it difficult, if not impossible, to recognize her.

• When some of the people at church share their stories with me, I find it very hard to believe that they were once the people they describe. Many people have been completely transformed.

• Only God can accomplish such a miraculous makeover. He can turn sorrow into joy, hideous into beautiful, and mistakes into moments of opportunity.