Jesus replied, "Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again but those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." John 4:13-14
We didn't have a well where I lived in Birmingham but my grandparents did, they resided here in the country. By the time I was old enough to be curious about this well it had dried up and was of no good use. My extra cautious, overprotective Grandmother Smith had my Granddaddy Smith cover it with big pieces of plywood, then piled it up with concrete blocks and big boulders; making sure there was no chance of anyone falling into to the deep abyss.
I always would question her about the well. Why did they have it and what was it used for? How did they get the water out of it? Wasn't the water dirty and didn't it taste bad? Why couldn't they just drink water from the sink in the kitchen? You know, all of the real important questions any 'little city girl' would ask. It seemed the more I talked about this deep hole in her backyard the more nervous it made her to think I might go out and try to uncover it to look inside. Which caused her much fear and dread I'm sure (and caused her to have my granddaddy add more to the heap of the ever growing piles already topping it). She warned me of staying away from it and gave all kind of tales to what could happen if I even played too close to it. She had to know I was a fearful child and it didn't take much for me to be a believer. I remember never even wanting to play in the backyard; I kept my toys and my activities in the front of the house.
Jesus had been traveling all morning. It was in the heat of the day when He stopped by a certain well to draw water; He needed a drink. I don't believe for one second this was a coincidence. He knew this woman He would encounter would be there.
In those days it was unusual to go to the well at midday to draw water; this was usually a morning task. At this time of day it was hot and dusty and the well area was a quiet and deserted place, but by divine appointment He met her there. You see, Jesus knew that she would be there right at that time. He knew she needed salvation (the Living Water). He knew that she was searching in all the wrong places for love and security and meaning to her life.
Really we are all the woman at the well. Jesus shows up in our lives at just the right time wherever our well may be and offers the Living Water free for the taking (John 4:10). But we keep searching for 'things' to fill us up -our kids -our marriage -our careers -our home -our ministries (John 4:17). I think Jesus looks at us and asks, "Are you not ready to lay it down and take what I give that will fill you up, never to leave you empty?" (John 4:13-14).
How deeply have you buried your hope, faith and dreams that you think cannot be salvaged? What are the wells in your life? Have you buried them under piles of plywood and concrete bricks and stones, thinking that you are protecting them or yourself from them? Why not trust Jesus to meet you at your well? The woman did, she said, "Give me this water," (John 4:15) and He did. She came to that particular well on that particular day to draw water, but she walked away with Water she didn't know she was looking for. That is called the grace of God. He meets us at the wells of our lives and gives us everything we need and so much more. Praise God!
I love you & He loves you more!
Lord, You are my Living Water. I will never thirst again. Thank You for meeting me exactly where I am and breathing life everlasting into me. My hope is always in You. I pray for the lost today that they would find You right where they are and be filled with Living Water. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Originally posted on 2/1/2020