Article

Director’s Message

It happened again. She had tried so hard to escape that wretched life. But she was dragged back in. Of Mary Magdalene, the Bible says that Christ had rescued her from seven demons (see Mark 16:9; Luke 8:2). Speaking of her pitiful history, Ellen White elaborates that Christ delivered Mary from her life of sin seven times.

Have you considered how the Savior felt each time He came to her rescue? And how did Mary feel as One so holy reached out to her aid again and again? And her church community? What was their response?

Regardless of the emotional and physical rollercoaster ride, Christ came back again and again, until the victory was complete. He saw the pain, He felt the heartache, He read her need. And He didn’t give up on her.

“When to human eyes her case appeared hopeless, Christ saw in Mary capabilities for good. He saw the better traits of her character. The plan of redemption has invested humanity with great possibilities, and in Mary these possibilities were to be realized. Through His grace she became a partaker of the divine nature,” Desire of Ages, p. 568.

There are many among us, even within the walls of our churches, who are struggling with an addiction. Perhaps they were forced into it by an abusive relationship. Perhaps it started as a seemingly innocent way of having fun. Perhaps stressful situations demanded some form of relief. Whatever their history, God wants for them, for all of us, a better life.

As we walk on this heavenward journey, let’s remember that we are traveling an uneasy road. There are dangers seen and unseen. There are burdens that seem insurmountable. But let’s also remember the “author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 11:2) who walked this road, and has promised a final and full recovery. And let us also remember, that we are to walk together.

Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up…Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10, 12, NKJV.

Angeline B. David, DrPH, MHS, RDN
nadhm@nadadventist.org
Health Ministries / ARMin Director
North American Division