And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, ‘He told me all that I ever did.’ – John 4:39
REFERENCE
John 4:5-30,39
Today’s passage introduces us to a woman who may have been suffering from low self esteem, rejection, and shame. She has not had very good experiences in her relationships with the opposite sex. The fact that she went to the well in the hot oriental afternoon (when most people reclined in the shade of their homes), lends credence to the theory that she was avoiding people because of the stigma of her past mistakes.
Today, like this woman, many people (especially women) are plagued and trapped by past mistakes in life and career, and also by the pain and abuse they suffered in past relationships. Many feel empty because of what people have taken away from them. Some feel worthless from lack of appreciation. While for others, it is the rejection that comes from years of showing love to people that didn’t reciprocate. This woman was trapped in a performance cycle, seeking love, acceptance and affirmation.
Although Jesus already knew everything about this woman, that she was living in sin, He didn’t condemn her. Instead, He saw what she could become – her potential and offered her Living water (the gift of eternal life) which transformed her. As a result, God’s gift (the God-colors) that was trapped in her was unleashed and she became an Evangelist who opened the ‘gates’ of Samaria to Jesus, a place where He was formerly rejected.
In like manner, you shouldn’t allow your past mistakes to stifle the gifts God has placed within you. Jesus loves you regardless of your mistakes, He wants you to drink of Him and be refreshed, so you can be FREE TO BECOME all He created you to be! Receive God’s free love, acceptance and forgiveness today…be free from your past and your shame…be FREE TO BE!
ADDITIONAL STUDY
Luke 9:51-53, John 8:34-36 and Isaiah 43:18-19.
PRAYER POINT
Ask and receive grace to leave the past in the past; and for strength to look ahead to possibilities where your gifts can be unleashed to fulfill your call on the earth.
