He purposed to be there that day. There was no getting around that fact. (John 4:1-42)
Once more the Master defied the disciples plans for their teacher. They shook their heads in disbelief, yet there they were in Samaria, a place despised by the Jews of the day. Jesus led them there showing once more that the ways of the Father are not the ways of the children. He was showing them they had much to learn of the Father’s unconditional love, grace and mercy.
So off they went to get food …but Jesus stayed behind.
There she was, doing her best to avoid people and the judgment and criticism she believed she deserved, anyway. She knew exactly when it was best to draw water from this well to avoid the abrasive remarks, cutting stares and uncomfortable confrontations. Yet she could not avoid this one appointment with destiny at the hands of the pursuing, loving and everlasting reach Jesus purposed for that day.
He looked at her and with love embraced her total being, it seemed he could see into her very soul. And he could. She knew he was a prophet, but learned he was much more. Knowing all, he spoke words of acceptance, grace and truth.
Living Water was offered to quench the thirst that no ordinary water can offer. Spiritual renewal, refreshment and life eternal came to the woman at the well that day as Messiah revealed himself to her. His invitation stands today… He offers the truth of His living water to the lowly, despised and forgotten as well as all who long for truth.
He himself makes a way to meet us where we are whether on the beaten path or the well hid road. Jesus “had to go through Samaria”. (NIV) Is it any wonder why? His Father had a meeting planned for salvation for one who would then share with many.
How I have visualized this scene repeatedly in my mind. It is such encouragement to me.
I know the story so well, for I am that woman who met Jesus at the well of truth, and after receiving His Living Water, went on to share his truth with many. Oh, what a wonderful Savior! He loves us to the uttermost, transforms us by His grace and embraces us in the everlasting love for eternity.
Thank you Jesus, that you care enough to take the road less traveled to reach those of us who might otherwise be overlooked. Thank you for quenching the thirst of my soul with your love everlasting. Thank you for the woman at the well who is forever a lesson to me of your love, grace and truth for all.
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? “ Matthew 18:12
I was prompted to share this story again when my blog friend Karen @ Finding the Grace Within asked fellow bloggers to share the favorite post that we have ever written. Since it was posted on my old blog, I decided to republish it here. It was the very first guest post I ever wrote, thanks to Melinda Todd who let this new blogger jump in and share back in 2011 after just 3 months blogging. I had the honor to read the same story for my home church at my Pastor’s request in August of 2013, and I have recently told a more personal version over at Faith and Testimony.
Enthusiastically, Dawn 
You are such an awesome woman of God, love you.
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Oh how I love that His grace transforms us! God believes in us even if we don’t believe in ourselves, and even when we are facing some pretty hard things in life, confidence will open the doors and free us from countless hours of wasted worry. By choosing to trust God no matter what, we can say and believe that in any situation we can accept ourselves as we are,grow and become stronger to become the person He wants us to be. Excellent words Dawn!Blessings and love,Denise
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This is such an encouraging and timely word. His grace and kindness toward us takes my breath away. So glad you shared it with us! Thank you.Have a wonderful weekend,Karen 🙂
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You put this so beautifully. Blessings to you!Sylvia R @ sylvrpen.com
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I want that water, too. I am this woman. You put it into words so beautifully. 🙂
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I love how he really sees her and loves her, anyway. It really is a story laced with hope.
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I know it’s an old post, but oh man, it still rings with beautiful truth and freedom!
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Thanks, Susie. It is getting a lot of mileage and I love that Karen challenged fellow bloggers to pick their fave. I really thought Impossible to choose one. And then, it just became so clear. This first post, which I fearfully offered as a guest post was it. It challenged me to edit, edit, edit my words down to 500. Not something I do regularly anymore. lol. But an absolutely worthy challenge to get to the heart of a message. Anyhoo, thanks for being there from way back then!
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Sometimes old posts are good…so new readers like me can see them for the first time.
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Good point! Well it’s nice to have you, Russell and thanks for your input. I appreciate my new readers and old. 😉
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I’m glad you reposted. us newbies miss out on some of the excellent earlier things. I love this story and yes, I too am this woman.
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“He looked at her and with love embraced her total being, it seemed he could see into her very soul” It’s like you were there when he found me. Thank you so much for posting this! God bless!
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Wow, this is awesome! Thanks so much for linking it with us at Grace & Truth!! Hope to see more of your writing linked in the future too!
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It is a beautifully written post. We never tire of hearing stories about Jesus and the people He met, especially those he has saved present day.
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This was such an encouragement to me. “Living Water was offered to quench the thirst that no ordinary water can offer.” I am so grateful that God extends the gift of salvation to us still today. Thank you for sharing with us at Grace & Truth!
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