In John chapter 4, the sad situation of the Samaritan woman cannot help but stir within us the deepest of sympathies. We are told of her marriages to five different men, and that she is living with her current boyfriend. How these marriages ended, the Bible does not share. Perhaps, the men divorced her. Perhaps, some passed away. Today, most are familiar with the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale that tells us the two most severe stresses that can be experienced are firstly, the death of a spouse and secondly, divorce. This woman had been through such traumas not once, not twice, but five times.
We can confidently deduce that her heart was not merely broken, but shattered. Emotionally, she was a wreck. While women would generally come to draw water during the early morning or late afternoon, avoiding the hottest times of the day, this lady come at midday, seemingly wanting to avoid interacting with others. She was in survival mode. Not caring any longer about the quality of her life, she was focused simply on getting by. However, one precious encounter with Jesus changed everything! We see how, following her conversation with Him, she was entirely transformed. Whereas previously she would avoid conversing with others, she became an enthusiastic extrovert, rushing back into the city and sharing news of her encounter with any and all who would listen.
Today, are you broken, disillusioned, shattered? I encourage you, find time to spend alone with the One who has the power to transform from the inside out. Pour out your heart to Him and wait for the sweet, restoring touch of His embrace. He will breathe life into tormented souls and strength into weary bones. He will gently revive despondent hearts and channel peace into frantic minds.
Today, cry out to Jesus. He will make all right again!
[photo credit: Angelo Gonzalez, Creative Commons]
Tamryn Klintworth is the founder of In His Name Ministries –www.inhisname.org.za – an evangelistic organization devoted to winning Africa and the world for Jesus, through the holding of mass crusades. A heavenly avalanche of salvation, healing and deliverance, follows the preaching of the Gospel. Tamryn also regularly ministers in churches and conferences, empowering believers for soul-winning. She resides in Cape Town, South Africa.
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