What if?

"He told me everything I ever did."
 Seven short words from one woman turned hearts to Jesus.

Many of the Samaritans from the town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, "we no longer believe just because of what you said; now we know that this man really is the savior of the World." John 4:39-42

The woman I am speaking of is the infamous (well, in my eyes at least) Woman at the Well. We don't get to know her name, but boy do we get her life story. She is a Samaritan woman who just happens to be getting water from a well, when none other than Jesus himself walks up. He a Jew and her a Samaritan would have been grounds enough for there to be no conversation between the two. Isn't it just the greatest though how Jesus doesn't care who you are or where you are from, he cares only about our heart. It is safe to say from the conversation that follows, this woman's heart was broken. We learn that she had had five Husbands and is now involved with another man.

To be certain that there is not an assumption of judgment on my part (and to let you in a bit because isn't that really the point?) I had two fiancé's prior to meeting my Husband, and a child from each of those relationships. This post isn't the place for me to share the details of said relationships, but it is fair to say that my past is what makes this anonymous woman so endearing to me. In no way am I condemning her because of her promiscuous past (certainly wouldn't encourage this path though). Rather, I want you to know that I can imagine, to a degree, how she must have been feeling when Jesus spoke to her. I'll throw out a few plausible ideas, shame, guilt, regret, embarrassment, failure, unworthiness, doom (yes, it is that awful to look back sometimes) and bracing herself all the while for the seemingly inevitable judgement and condemnation. Even if she wanted to try to paint a "better picture" of herself, it would do no good. Jesus already knew it all.

That is not even close to how Jesus saw her or what he would say. Instead, he told her about living water! He gave her a glimpse into the future, letting her know that God would give those who worship his Spirit and Truth. He showed her he knew her and loved her. Something I am sure seemed inconceivable to her weary broken heart. He gave her so much more than she needed. So much more than she came for, that she left her water jug behind as she headed back to town.

Here is where it gets really good. I will humbly suggest that the townspeople probably didn't have the best opinion of our anonymous woman (just keepin it real). Yet the Bible tells us that when she arrives in town she says to the people "Come see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" I will allow your imaginations to run wild with the immediate likely thoughts and responses she would have anticipated. Instead again, the Word tells us "they came out of town and made their way toward him". They urged him to stay, fed him and listened intently to his words. We read that many believed because of this woman's testimony. Her willingness to courageously set aside her fears and worry of response and perception and tell her townspeople a few simple words, drew them near to Jesus. Then, once he had their ears, he captivated their hearts. Her simple statement of belief was the catalyst for MANY to know Jesus.

So, what does this incredible story of belief, faith and salvation have to do with us? The obvious I will state in case you missed it... Jesus loves YOU no matter what!

There is another important message here that I know I needed to hear and maybe you do too. What if we all had courageous faith and belief in what we know about Jesus, enough to share it? Isn't that what we are called to do? To share with others. Here's the super cool part this story illustrates, it doesn't have to be some crazy big, perfect eloquent display, just let people know what Jesus has done in your life! Show people with your words, actions, gifts, talents and love. It doesn't matter who you are or how you do it, just Do It! Set aside the fear and worry. Even if you feel like what you say or do won't matter, even if you think you will be judged, mocked or laughed at, even if you don't believe in yourself...we don't have to, Jesus does!

He meets us at the well, gives us more than we need, sends us out and He will take care of the rest.

"Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God" 2 Corinthians 3:4-5


Live Loved,
Melissa