"Jesus replied, If you only knew the gift God has for you and who I am, you would ask me and I would give you living water." John 4:10
Recently I was sitting in a waiting room, using the time to pray for loved ones and friends. As I was praying quietly to myself, the above Scripture came to mind. Instantly the unsettling thought dawned on me that I was begging God for answers instead of approaching Him as the one who is able to give out living water.
I realize that the response Jesus gave the Samaritan woman was an opportunity to teach her divine things regarding her sinfulness and need of a Savior. But every time I read this verse, its impact upon my heart leaves me speechless. This woman had an encounter with Jesus that transformed her life. When Jesus revealed to her that He was the Messiah it says, "she left her water jar beside the well and went back to the village and told everyone.” (John 4:28)
This got me thinking about the way I approach God when I pray. Do I always approach Him as if I’m begging Him to move on my behalf, or do I approach Him with the full awareness of who He is and the gift that He offers? I'm realizing that when I do the latter, it engages my faith and allows me to fix my eyes on God instead of my circumstances.
Do you know who Jesus is to you and the gift He wants to offer you today? Why not come to the well for a fresh encounter with God. Take some time to reframe the way you approach Him, gain a transformed view of His goodness, and receive living water for your soul.
Lynne Bauman