“Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water shall thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life,” John 4: 13-14
© 2016 Lynn Abbott
Sometimes, you and I even find ourselves passing through headwinds. At times, the path seems cold and dark.
We hurt.
Yet, through cold winds we must pass. Our journey through this world to Abba’s country often brings pain, heartbreak, fear and disappointment.
And we walk head-on into physical illness, financial instability, relational struggles, and obstacles of every kind blast.
The Samaritan woman, described in John 4, carried a heavy emotional load as she shuffled her way to the village well. Given her history, it is safe to say that her life hadn’t turned out the way she hoped.
Like many little girls, her childhood probably filled with fairy tales. Reading Scripture’s account, it seems she diligently sought her prince. But to no avail.
Indeed, when Scripture introduces her, the Samaritan woman had been married five times. Forget her “happily ever after” with Prince Charming. She had long given up that dream.
On the path to the well, however, she paid little regard to her ruined castles in the sky. Her mind focused on her immediate need: water.
Indeed, her supply regularly ran low. And I suspect that she carried her bucket to the well so frequently that she no longer regarded the dreary path nor did she lift her eyes to hope or dream.
Yet, at the well, she would meet the One who would wash life’s dust from her soul
There, at the well, the omniscient Shepherd recognized her weariness, discouragement and preoccupation.
And with deep compassion and loving-kindness, the Prince of Peace began conversation with a simple request for a drink of water.
Jesus did not offer an indifferent evaluation or pious advice.
Instead, He asked her for a cup of water.
That’s right. Love understood her heartbreak, and Grace engaged.
Jesus humbly met her where she was. He essentially said, “Let’s walk together.”
Yes, unlike any other, Jesus understands our hearts. He sympathizes with our weaknesses; He intercedes on our behalf.
He has promised, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” (Hebrews 13:5).
He walks with us through those Arctic blasts.
For this reason, when I confront strong headwinds, I confidently cry, “Savior, fill my needs. Replenish my bucket.”
But in this, I find incredible grace: I ask for a bucket; Jesus stands waiting and offers a never-ending, well of Living Water.
Through Ink & Image 