The woman saith unto Him, Sir, Thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast Thou that living water? Art Thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? John 4:11-12
Olivia (the Woman at the well) is intrigued and probably finds Jesus someone easy to talk to. She doesn’t completely ignore His statement or question but inquires how He plans to give her living water when He doesn’t have a waterpot to draw this water He speaks of out of the well. Without allowing Jesus to answer, she asks another question, ‘Are you greater than our father Jacob, the patriarch who dug this well centuries ago?’
I’ve always wondered where that question came from because she is unaware that the One she stands before is more significant than Jacob. However, we must keep in mind that the Samaritans were also looking for the Messiah to come, and this well held special meaning to the Samaritans, and they held it in high regard.
Let’s pause for a moment.
Olivia’s insecurities are showing… She reminds me of myself; when I don’t want to be asked questions, I start asking them. I like her.
Where do insecurities come from? It is generally believed that we develop insecurities when we start comparing ourselves to others and decide that they are better, prettier, more intelligent, healthier, etc., than we are. The fear of failure or success can trigger unhealthy thoughts, which may lead to comparing ourselves to others. The what ifs… It would be best if you watched those. What if I were more intelligent, or what if I hadn’t failed that exam… what if I didn’t have dyslexia… The list of what-ifs can go on and on. But sometimes, we are so fearful of someone discovering or uncovering something about us that we become uncertain about how to behave in social settings. Hence, we avoid spending too much time around certain people.
When I started my ministry, I would share it with certain people. Most were supportive, but this one person commented, “oh, another one.” Sometimes I just wanted to throw out ideas that were going around in my head. Looking back, I must admit I wanted their approval, support, encouragement, and someone to go along for the ride. I don’t mean on the sideline cheering me on, but to get in the car and let’s see where it takes us. I ventured out twice, hoping my offer to join me would be taken up enthusiastically. However, this was not the case. They were not enthusiastic or interested in even considering my request. I never asked anyone else again.
That was a very lonely period in my life. Then one day, the Lord said to me. Hope; why are you trying to fit a square in a round hole? And I was the square. He further stated that I made you different, not so that you would stand out but that you would stand. Stand for Me. Stand for truth. Stand wherever I put you. I am rewriting your story. Hope, through you, I will be redefining many things. Don’t look for the norm or the obvious. Please don’t get caught up with doing it most expediently or popularly. Please don’t trust your instincts; trust My Wisdom. I’m throwing out the old term and redefining them for you because I want you free to be creative as I need you to be. Wow! I was humbled and grateful for Christ’s words of truth and confidence. Now all I want to do is to show myself faithful to His call and to bring honor to His name.
Christ reminds us that all things are possible to those who believe. I chose right now; today, I believe in Christ, and I chose to believe in Christ, what I read about Him, and what I have experienced.
That was the day my life moved forward. I was no longer stuck on trying to make our (His and mine) ministry work for anyone else. I no longer wanted to make it make sense to anyone or go along with the status quo. I was free.
Jesus is waiting to make you free too… So you see, Olivia is correct; the well is deep, but Christ’s love for you and me is deeper still.
Until next time… Have a blessed week.
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