We need water
Do you like surprises? I do if they’re good surprises. But those unhappy dilemmas? Not so much. This week I came home to a major challenge–no water–a bad surprise. We need water, it’s essential for life.
My first task when I enter my house is to wash my hands. But this day, when I lifted the handle, no water ran from the tap. As a country girl, with a well as my water supply, this was not a welcome home gift. Several possibilities came to mind: 1) A faulty switch or a loose connection in the well house (inconvenient, but not too expensive; 2) A power issue (inconvenient, but again, fixable without too much financial pain); 3) A well-pump failure (very inconvenient and expensive); and 4) A major water leak which ran the well dry (inconvenient and moderate expense depending on cost to fix the leak).
We need water
Most of us are blessed with an adequate supply of clean, fresh water (sadly, not true for many parts of the world). When we turn on the tap, we naturally expect a healthy stream of water to flow forth to meet our needs of drinking, washing clothes and bodies, preparing food, watering plants and animals, etc. We’ve come to expect water conveniently at hand with the lifting or turning of a handle.
Besides an essential nourishment for our bodies, a tool for cleaning ourselves, and necessary for many tasks in our lives, water provides a metaphor for our relationship with our Lord. Our earthly bodies cannot function without adequate water. Without water, we die. But from our Savior, we receive the gift of life.
Living water
We learn about living water from the Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus. In John 4, the disciple describes our Lord’s visit to Samaria as He traveled from Judea to Galilee. At Jacob’s well, Jesus sat down to rest. When a woman came to the well, Jesus asked her to draw Him a drink.
The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews to not associate with Samaritans.) (John 4:9)
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)
The woman was amazed by this conversation and immediately requested this special water of which Jesus spoke. He answered:
“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13)
What is living water?
The woman’s response showed she hadn’t figured out the conversation. She wanted “living water” to skip the daily trek to Jacob’s well, particularly since she was likely ostracized by the other women in town for living a sinful lifestyle. The woman didn’t comprehend the extent of our Lord’s offering.
She wanted not to thirst again, but spoke from the desire of her earthly body. Jesus proceeded to inform the woman about her history–five husbands and living with a man to whom she wasn’t married. Again, she was amazed by this man who sat by the well.
Jesus is the Messiah
The Samaritan woman knew of the coming Messiah:
The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” (John 4:25)
Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you–I am he.” (John 4:26).
She planted seeds
What was the response of the Samaritan woman? She was bold! She didn’t keep this marvelous knowledge to herself. She shared the wonderful news of seeing and talking with the Messiah to everyone she met. The scripture describes the fruits of her witnessing. We know this has to be a “God moment” because this woman had no credibility with the townspeople.
Many of the Samaritans from the town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” (John 4:39)
Jesus stayed in town for two more days and many more became believers. But this woman, shunned because of her lifestyle, spread news of seeing the Messiah and planted seeds which led many in the town to recognize Him as Christ.
Good surprises
The Samaritan woman received a good surprise on this day’s journey to the well. She believed and shared the Good News of Jesus Christ with others so that they might receive the gift of Living Water. What did she do? The Samaritan woman…
- Listened to the words of Jesus
- Believed He is Christ
- Spread the Good News to others to lead them to Christ
- Didn’t allow her circumstances to hold her back from being a witness for Jesus
- Accepted the gift of Living Water
Isn’t she a wonderful example for us? What other lessons might we learn from the woman at the well? Please share your thoughts.
My water problem? Sadly, it wasn’t an easy fix. Investigation revealed the need for a new pump and repair of a water leak–inconvenient and expensive. However, I am blessed with a wonderful repair team and a dear friend who invited me to shower at her house.
Water is essential, but what’s most important? The gift of Living Water through the love of Jesus our Savior.
Wishing you a joy filled week!
So very sorry to hear of your pump failure. It happens, and we can never plan for the unexpected to happen, beyond having a spare on hand. Grateful for friends who are there when we need them. While we have county water, during the freeze of 2020, we were without water for about six days. Ever-grateful for the water stores I had and the winter snow that I was able to hydrate the cattle with. As parched as my human body can become sometimes, my soul is never thirsty for His living water. Praise God.
I remember that cold snap you all had–six days without water! What a challenge that must have been. I think we recognize God’s great gifts in those times of challenge–gifts we take for granted most of the time. I’m thankful we are gifted with His living water and will be with Him and our loved ones in glory. Blessings, my friend.
Glad you resolved your water problem, although inconvenient and expensive. Thank you for the challenge to share with others the source of living water.
Thank you for your good wishes, Diana. I’m so thankful it was just for two days. I’m reminded of how precious water is and the renewed remembrance of our Savior’s gift of living water. Wishing you a blessed week.
We have lived in a house with a well only one time. I loved the fact that we didn’t get a water bill and our water wasn’t contaminated as sometimes can be with public water. But when the power went out I was always thinking about what to do if the pump didn’t work. Thankfully, that never happened. I’m sorry you had an expensive repair but thankful you now have a new one that should last a long time. Also thankful you have great friends who can help you. We can be most thankful for that living water that Jesus gives us that will never run out! Blessings, Katherine!
I love the way you remind us that the living water that Jesus gives “will never run out.” YES! It’s a gift that leads us to eternity. I agree that I am so blessed to have family and friends that support me in these challenges I am facing. I definitely need to focus on the blessings rather than the financial hardship. Thank you.
I loved this post Katherine. I love the story, and it always blesses me. Thank you. Sorry about the water issue!
Sylvia, thank you for your encouragement and compassion. I love the story of Jesus and the woman at the well. It reminds us that Jesus loves us where we are and supports us on the journey to where we need to be.
The most impactful effect of this story, in my eyes, is the woman “didn’t allow her circumstances to hold her back from being a witness for Jesus.”
What a powerful witness for God she is as she demonstrates the love Jesus has for all us sinners. Jesus doesn’t discriminate.
I agree, Candyce, this story reminds me that our weaknesses, whether perceived or actual, shouldn’t hold us back from being a witness for Jesus. He meets us where we are, knows exactly what we need, and guides our step-by-step journey to His side. Blessings!
We have well water too and when the electricity if off we don’t have water. We’ve learned to store a bathtub full before a storm. Great analogy.
Like you, Debbie, I store water for emergencies and that’s what got me through my two days without water. Like the virgins and the oil for their lamps, it’s important to be prepared. Thank you for your kind encouragement.
I’m sorry to hear about your needed repair, Katherine. My mom’s well pump once stopped working because the ants built a huge home under a contact point. I wish your fix was that easy. The story about the Samaritan woman reminds us Jesus meets all our needs. It also teaches the lesson that no one is ostracized in God’s kingdom. Both are worthy lessons for us.
Thank you for sharing your insights, Jeannie. When you say, “Jesus meets all our needs,” you are stating a profound truth. We might confuse needs and wants, but Jesus knows the difference. Now, if we could only learn to trust that Jesus knows and does what is best for us. Wishing you joy and blessings.
I’ve lived with a well and, most of my life, with city water. We drink bottled water because the chemicals are too much in the city. You did a nice job tying the inconvenience to the Good News the Samaritan woman received. God bless!
Nancy, Yours is a good reminder that we all need to be more careful of the amount of chemicals we ingest. The cumulative effect of added chemicals in our food, water, and the air we breathe is harmful and deadly. Thank you for you your encouragement. Blessings!
Sorry to hear about your water pump but glad you now have water! I love this account and we can see that Jesus planned a divine appointment with this sinful lady. He NEEDED to go through Samaria! Thanks for sharing Katherine!
We have divine appointments with Jesus, too, don’t we? That’s a thought we all need to reflect on, along with the blessings those divine appointments have brought us. Thank you for your kind encouragement, Lisa. Wishing you a week filled with joy and sunshine.
What a timely message as we had no water for several hours last night. I kept checking every few minutes too.
I am thankful that I never run out of His living waters in my life. Thanks for sharing Katherine
I feel your pain, Yvonne. I hope the water outage was short. We’re so dependent on turning on that tap for the multiple needs we have for water. We are blessed (most of the time) with convenience and potable water. Like you, I’m thankful for living water–the most important kind. Blessings!
Yes, we need the living water of Christ in our lives to nourish and cleanse our souls. I am so sorry you had to go through such an ordeal to get water, but am glad you could find a place to shower. God makes a way even in rough times. I will be thankful for my tap water going forward.
Our Father is with us through the hard times, we just need to call on Him. I confess I sometimes don’t reach out to Him soon enough. But when I get over my stubbornness, He is always there, waiting to help me through the trial.
Sorry about your bad news, Katherine. But you’ve used the situation to talk about one of my favorite stories in the Bible. Thanks!
The woman at the well is one of my favorite stories, too. It reminds me that God meets us right where we are and is ready to refresh us with His living water. And no matter our past, we all have a place in service to Him. He meets us and equips us for His service. We’re so blessed!
The response of the Samaritan woman is one of my favorites. She is a great example of what we should do with all God gives us. I would love to have been there to see this encounter.
Me too, Jen! I can just imagine her delight that this “man” whom she came to recognize as the Messiah made her feel special. Perhaps for the first time, she felt worthwhile. Her encounter with our Lord gave her courage to tell others. It’s such a wonderful story of Christ’s love for those who desperately need someone to love them.
Yes! The woman at the well is a wonderful lesson for us. Her story makes me smile. She knew her Savior and couldn’t wait to share Him with others. Thank you for presenting her story so well.
Her story is one of my favorites, LuAnn. She wasn’t perfect, but Jesus reached out to her anyway. I’m so thankful for His love, forgiveness, and second (and more!) chances. Wishing you continued blessings.