I love reading and hearing testimonies of how God has transformed people’s life. Perhaps this is why Mary Magdalene is one of my favorite people in the Bible! She was being tormented by seven demons when Jesus met her. That first encounter with Jesus was not only a testimony of God’s healing power to those who witnessed it that day, but it also changed the trajectory of Mary’s life forever! We can only imagine what her actions had been like before meeting Jesus, but the woman of faith we see after being healed shows her beautiful heart. She followed Jesus, along with His disciples and others, from town-to-town preaching and sharing the Good News. Luke 8:2-3 tells us how Mary was one of the ones who helped support the ministry from her own resources. We see how she had the painful privilege of being present at Jesus’ crucifixion, but also had the joyful duty of telling the disciples of His resurrection! Mary Magdalene had found true joy, peace, and love in Jesus, and she was determined to live her life in grateful service to the One who had set her free.

Each of us has a story to tell, friends. Whether we had a visible and extreme transformation from evil to good like Mary Magdalene, or God has changed the way we think and act slowly over the years, our life should be a testimony to others of that change and our heart should abound with love, joy, peace, and gratitude for all that God has done. Take a moment to reflect on your story and take advantage of the opportunities that God is giving you to share it with someone today!

Suggested prayer: Dear God, you allow me to come to you just as I am, but I am so thankful that you loved me too much to leave me as I was. Your loving power continues working in me! Please help me follow you faithfully and serve you with a grateful heart. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1.    2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (NLT).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.