A Willing Heart

Recently, I have been studying the women of the Bible. The stories of these many women who are instrumental in the foundation of early ministry are incredibly inspiring. With varying backgrounds, it is fascinating to dive deeper into their lives. Looking at their radical faith motivates me to pause and consider how I am allowing God to work through my own life.

One of the women that has stood out to me is Mary Magdalene. After being healed from seven demons, she became a devoted follower of Christ. In Luke, we see that she and several other women were financially supporting Christ’s ministry. Mary was transformed by Christ, and she used the gifts she was blessed with to then further His kingdom.

Later, we see that she is present at Christ’s death and resurrection. The emotion we see from Mary at the tomb shows that there has been a meaningful friendship developed through the years.

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb.
John 20:11

Upon seeing the empty grave, Mary was devastated, believing His body to have been taken. When Jesus approaches her, he consoles her, and He gives her the command to tell the others.

Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them ‘I am Ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’
John 20:17

Mary Magdalene, who was once possessed with evil spirits, was then given the honor of being the first to witness Christ’s resurrection, and the first to then share the good news with the others. Imagine if Mary had allowed her darkest hours to dictate her future. She could have missed out on having a vital role in history. Mary, like many of the other key women in the Bible, chose to allow God to use her for His glory. May we have such a willing heart to hear the call of God.