Bad Girls of the Bible: The Woman at the Well

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 NLT

Have you ever been so thirsty that every pore seemed to scream for water?  I'm not talking hot from laying on the beach, but a thirst so overwhelming that only complete submersion while drinking, will squelch it.  

It's a terrible feeling, being so thirsty.  It makes me wonder how I got that way!  Did I really forget to drink all day long?  The simple & obvious answer is 'yes'.  On days like that, I'm focused on getting something done, preoccupied with a project, or running from one thing to another.  Neglecting my daily need for food & water catches up with me in a very strong way around dinner time!

As we read the story about the Woman at the Well and Crystal, the waitress in the bar, we see two women who have neglected their daily spiritual needs.  And in the course of their stories, Jesus catches up with them in a very real way.  We know (because Jesus tells us) just how these women have come to be "bad girls"; they were neglecting themselves, turning to other means to fill a void that only Jesus can fill.

Oh how I can relate to that!  Am I alone or have you felt that way, too?  Turning to worldly things and seeking our worth from other people to fulfill the longing in our heart is how we can suddenly find ourselves spiritually "thirsty".  Being busy with the day to day, running from one activity to another, completing one project after another, being a care giver, supporter, and general "jo friday" or "jackie of all trades" can leave us tired, depleted, and empty.

It can, but it doesn't have to!  As Crystal and the Woman at the Well learned, when we seek the living water that Jesus has to offer, we will thirst no more.  Filling the well of our soul with the living Water, the Word, frees us to be the women God created us to be.  "Jesus replied, 'People soon become thirsty again after drinking this water.  But the water I give them takes away thirst altogether.  It becomes a perpetual spring within them giving them eternal life.'"   John 4: 13-14

As you read this chapter, look for yourself in the story.  With whom do you identify and why?  Turn to the Study Guide questions at the back of the book, taking the time to answer the questions in your journal.  Think in ink!  

I would love to know the most important lesson you learned from another nameless woman, The Woman at the Well!  If you are reading this in your e-mail, click here to go to the blog and leave a comment.

For some inspiration and entertainment, click  here to listen to Casting Crowns, "The Well".  Thanks Lisa!!!!


Your Partner in Ministry,

Shelly
warrior

"Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."  Proverbs 16:24