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A Closer Walk

The Greatest Miracle of All—A Life Transformed

By Kerry Clarensau

One of the most miraculous transformations found in Scripture is the story of a woman called Mary Magdalene. Scripture doesn’t reveal much about her, but we know that at one time she was possessed by seven demons. We can only imagine the devastating, life-controlling hold these demons had on this precious woman. Her encounter with Jesus brought a transformation reaching the very depths of her soul. She experienced a deliverance which completely destroyed the strongholds of darkness.

Thankfully, most of us have never been possessed by demons; we know Satan cannot possess a believer. However, many Christians experience strongholds in their lives—strongholds of discontentment, fear, unforgiveness, doubt, pride, bitterness, addiction… the list is endless. These strongholds may not cause us to lose our salvation, but since the beginning they have been the enemy’s way of keeping us frustrated and defeated.

The first Scriptural reference to the enemy is in Genesis 3:1. In chapters one and two, we learn God created everything that exists and He placed Adam and Eve in the garden—a perfect place with perfect provisions. They had everything they needed. God told them to enjoy every part of the garden, but to avoid “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” When Satan arrived, he immediately pointed Adam and Eve to the one thing God told them to avoid and began questioning God’s motives. The enemy works the same way today. He turns our focus toward things we don’t have and questions God’s goodness in our lives—“Why don’t you have ______?” (You can fill in the blank.) If left unchecked, these questions can produce strongholds of discontentment, fear and doubt.

A stronghold is simply a lie we’ve allowed to influence our behavior. For example, the enemy may whisper, “Why don’t you have victory? You’ll never change. Yu will always struggle with this weakness. What’s the use in trying?” The more you entertain these lies, the more they affect your attitude, thoughts, words and behavior. You will find yourself in a cycle of sin, far from allowing God’s power to transform you. That is a stronghold! 

Sadly, we often settle for these shackles and resist God’s power to truly transform our lives. Romans 12:2 tells us to “be transformed by the renewing of our minds.” When the enemy plants deceptive thoughts, we can either allow them to remain and become strongholds, or replace the deception with God’s Truth and let His power transform us.

Mary Magdalene had a powerful encounter which transformed her life instantly, but her transformation didn’t stop that day. As we read in Luke 8, she continued to walk with Jesus day by day, serving Him, listening to His teaching and becoming more like Him. We know she continued following Him—she even had the privilege of being the first to see Him after His resurrection!

The Apostle Paul tells the Ephesians, “I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead. The power that raised Him from the dead was the same transforming power that changed Mary Magdalene and can change you! Walk with Him, serve Him, listen to Him and you will find His power is enough to transform!

God has opened many doors for KERRY CLARENSAU, which have prepared her for her current position as Leadership Development Coordinator for the national Women’s Ministries Department. Kerry has served the Kansas District in different ministry roles and as national Missionettes Coordinator. Under her leadership the current Mpact girls clubs (formerly Missionettes) program was developed in 1998. She has also served as women’s pastor at Maranatha Worship Center in Wichita, Kansas, where her husband serves as senior pastor. She is a Bible teacher, writer, wife, mother and much more. Her role as pastor’s wife is instrumental in developing effective leadership resources for the local church.

Adapted from the National Women’s Ministries Theme Sermon—“Jesus—More Than Enough” Find the complete sermon at www.womensministries.ag.org