138 of 365 - he Had to Come

A woman from Samaria came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” John 4:7
 
Beads of sweat drip onto the wisps that have long fallen out of her pinned hair. Hot. Tired. So sick of the long and lonely daily walk. But she would take that any day over the jeers and looks she would surely get coming earlier or later when the noon sun wasn’t set high in the sky. Besides, there is something peaceful about the quiet walk alone. Lord knows, things aren’t peaceful back at home. How had she gotten herself into this situation again? Why does she continue to go back to what didn’t work any time before? But what choice does she have? She feels unworthy; unlovable. She regularly replays the highlight reel of her mistakes on this daily walk. And just as often she pushes the thoughts away. What good does it do to dwell on them? She reminds herself she made her bed, now she must lie in it. This is her lot. The recurring conversation in her head is as exhausting as the recurring walk to the well.

Beads of sweat pool on His hairline. Hot. Tired. Weary from the journey. But He is excited; expectant. He HAD to come. A divine appointment ordained thousands of years ago. Something beautiful is happening today, He mutters under his breath as the well comes into view. The disciples long gone to get food for the evening, Jesus sits. Right on time…He sees her. His heart is full. He silently prays to His Father.

Looking up she sees someone at the well. Oh boy. Why can’t I just do this in peace, she thinks? She braces for the insults she knows will be coming. From His attire, she can tell He is Jewish, and a rabbi no less. Let’s just get this over with…her likely attempt at a pep talk to herself.

“Give me a drink,” He says.
 
To be continued…
 
Questions: Do you believe God orchestrates encounters? Is there a person God put in your life at a time when you were trying to avoid people?