Purpose with a Past

Mary of Magdala

Objective:

Desiring a position in which I can utilize my gifts and find purpose.

Previous experience:

Previously inhabited by seven demons.

Oh, come on.  This resume would never stand a chance.  Inhabited by not just one but seven demons?  And submitted by a woman nonetheless in a time and culture where women’s rights were virtually non-existent.  No one would’ve given this a second glance.  No one but him who cast the demons from her, that is.

Luke 8:1-3 tells us that Mary Magdalene traveled from town to town with Jesus and the disciples, caring for their needs and supporting them out of her own means.  Wow!  Mary was also one of only a few women the angels shared the news with of a Risen Lord.  And as if all that is not incredible enough, Mary was the first person Jesus spoke to after the resurrection, giving her a specific mission: “Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God’ " (John 20:17). 

Mary of course repeated Jesus’ message.  In fact, I’m sure she didn’t just say it to the disciples.  She probably never stopped repeating it.

I know Mary, a former demon-possessed woman from the town of Magdala, found purpose in her life’s work of serving the Lord and telling His story to others.  Do you think your past is stopping you from finding purpose and fulfillment?  Think again.