A Marvelous Work

Please let me know what you think. This is the first time I have shared my testimony in a woman's ministry event.

The Lord's Supper and Sharing the Gospel

Isn't God amazing? I have been listening to Paul Washer tonight and preparing my talk for tomorrow evening (yes, I'm a midnight procrastinator) and I am just amazed at the great love of God that he was willing to crush His Son for me. It is amazing to me that although I am the one who deserves to be crushed, Jesus willingly accepted my punishment that I might live eternally with Him.

Last week we had the opportunity to take the Lord's Supper again. It was the first time that it did not feel like a ritual to me. I finally got it. While chewing the wafer I realized it represents Christ's body being crushed by my sins. Every time my teeth crushed the wafer, I felt worse and worse about the fact that it was my sins that did that to Christ. And just as I was in the depth of my despair, the "wine" (grape juice) representing the blood of Christ came and washed away the remnants of what I had done to the wafer just as the blood of Christ washed away my sins. This is a poor description of my realization. However, I know that the meaning is clear. God Lives! Christ is Risen! What more is there?

Amazingly, I had the opportunity to share the gospel with someone close to me this past week. The fact that it happened so naturally is evidence of Christ's work in my life this far. Although I am sure that there are many who could have done it more eloquently, but the fact that God was able to use me gives me cause to rejoice in Him. I am looking forward to tomorrow night and yet dreading it at the same time. I am excited to share my story and God's Love with those who will attend, yet fear that in my weakness, I will not be as effective as someone else may be. However, my faith lies in Christ and I know that it is not me who reaches a person but Him and I will rejoice in the fact that He will use me for His purposes.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2

Grace found her a maniac--and made her a minister!

(Charles Spurgeon)

"He appeared first to Mary Magdalene--out of whom He had cast seven devils." Mark 16:9

Mary of Magdala was the victim of a fearful evil. She was possessed by not one devil only--but seven. These dreadful inhabitants caused much pain and pollution to the poor frame in which they had found a lodging. Hers was a hopeless, horrible case! She could not help herself, neither could any human support avail. But Jesus passed that way, and unsought, and probably even resisted by the poor demoniac, He uttered the word of power--and Mary of Magdala became a trophy of the saving power of Jesus.

What a blessed deliverance!
What a happy change!

From delirium--to delight,
from despair--to peace,
from hell--to heaven!

At once, she became a constant follower of Jesus, catching His every word, following His winding steps, sharing His toilsome life; and withal she became His generous helper, first among that band of saved and grateful women--who ministered unto Him of their substance.

When Jesus was lifted up in crucifixion, Mary remained the sharer of His shame--we find her drawing near to the foot of the cross. She could not die on the cross with Jesus--but she stood as near to it as she could. She was the faithful and watchful believer--last at the sepulcher where Jesus slept; first at the grave whence He arose!

Thus, grace found her a maniac--and made her a minister!

Grace delivered her from Satan--and united her forever to the Lord Jesus!

May I also be such a miracle of grace!

(courtesy of Grace Gems)