What do we do with a lifetime of bad choices? Do we quit and believe that’s all there is?
It doesn’t have to be the ending to our story.
In the book of John, the fourth chapter, 42 verses are devoted to an unnamed Samaritan woman who met the Savior face to face and was changed forever. This is the longest recorded dialogue Jesus has with anyone in the gospels.
On a mission, Jesus traveled out of His way to seek one in the despised land of Samaria. Back in the day, Jews and Samaritans were rivals and didn’t mingle. Tired and thirsty, He waits in the shade of Jacob’s well in the heat of the day.
Ordinarily, women came to the wells at sunset, but this particular lady came at the appointed time. Shunned for her lifestyle, the outcast woman came to draw water at noon to avoid glances and gossip of the villagers. Ms Samaritan was a Mrs many times.
For the first time, the rejected woman sees compassion in the eyes of a Man. He asks for a drink. Confused He would consider drinking from the same vessel as an ostracized Samaritan.
The only Man who can change her life gazes behind her eyes into the well of her soul.
They talk about the barriers of culture, religion, and race. Then, the Prophet tells her who she is . . . and who He is.
Revelation. Mercy meets sin.
Deep with hurt, lies and sins kept her from the truth of knowing who God is. Until now.
At a well, He unveils His identity as the true Messiah. In the drought of her spirit she is eternally quenched with Living Water.
We’re all thirsty and crave something greater. This story is a reminder there is a “well of meeting” in the dry places of life where a merciful Father is waiting to touch us to permanently heal the deep.
The unlikely candidate was used to advance the gospel in a region where it had not been heard. She enthusiastically told of her new passion, Jesus the Messiah, who changed her life in a holy moment.
Because of this life-changing encounter, she not only experienced salvation, but many came to believe.
Drink deeply from the refreshing place of His Word in John 4:1-42
And many more believed because of His Word, and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.” John 4:42
Do you remember when Jesus went out of His way to meet you?
Do we respond like her?
Verna
Right and write on, Verna. Father has anointed you to share His truth.
I write on because of your good counsel . . . and desire to share truth because of His good counsel! Thank you, Marlene!
Thank God for his mercy through Christ! Thanks for reminding us Verna!!
Mercy, undeserved . . . but, so abundant! Thank you for always stopping by and having a good word for me!
Thanks, Verna for this great reminder that His mercies are new each morning-it gives us such hope!
If not for this truth, we wouldn’t want to face a day! Thanks, Laura.
thank you Verna for holding out hope. May all who feel they cannot face another minute because of choices see His eyes. May they be lost and drowned in that unfailing love.
. . . “drowned” in the Living Water of unfailing love . . . thank you, Hannah.
Veran, Beautiful post of another who drank from the well of Living Water. Jesus, the only one who can quench the thirst of our souls. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, not cistern stagnant, but Living! Thank you, Glenda. . . .
” . . . into the well of her soul.” Beautiful words.
. . . . into the deep where only our Father can see. . . . love you, Carolyn!
I’ve read a fair amount of devotions pulled from that section of Scripture–but you offer refreshing insight and tender resonance to that pivotal moment. Thanks for sharing!
. . . pivotal moment . . yes, Janeen, when we come to the mercy moment of His visitation (at the well!) Hope to see you at the Conference!
Me too! I’ll be there on Saturday.