“Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” – John 4:10 (NIV)
This woman strategically visited the well at a time of day when few people were going, purposefully to avoid the judgmental stares of those in her community. She was rejected and scorned for her associations with men. There, she met a man not concerned about her outward appearance but her inward beauty.
Jesus spoke to the woman who was ostracised by society and felt unwanted, like many of us would have experienced at some time in our lives. But Jesus looked past her situation and position and spoke to her heart. That’s the beauty of Jesus. He looks past all our idiosyncrasies to our heart and speaks truths not brashly but softly.
The woman’s experience with Jesus caused her to see value in her life. Yes, Jesus breaks down barriers of lies, where you hear you are not good enough, or are made to feel as if you do not measure up. The devil is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). God says in Ephesians 2:10, you have been created for a purpose in Christ Jesus. Jesus adds value to our lives just as He added value to the Samaritan woman at the well. She returned to her village not with her water pot filled, but instead with a heart transformed and filled with the love of Jesus.
Jesus turned her shame into boldness, where she became a witness for His glory. “Come see a man…” (John 4:28), she said. This Man didn’t use her, but emboldened her. She was made whole in His presence.
Today, you might feel locked in, not enough, or broken. Understand that in Jesus, your past does not determine your destiny. Jesus is the one who died for you, created you, and sings over you (Zephaniah 3:17). You are not insufficient, but sufficient in Christ; you can do all things through Him who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). There is nothing that can separate you from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). So stop walking around feeling downtrodden. Jeremiah 29:11 states that His thoughts towards you are of good and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Woman, drink from the living water of God and become transformed in His presence!
Be courageous.
Read: Exodus 15:2; Joshua 1:9
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 68:15-20; John 18:25-40; 1 Samuel 24; 1 Samuel 25