Carina Francke

John 4 records the story of a licentious woman with whom Jesus initiated a conversation by asking her for water. Her response to His request opened the door for Him to share truths about Himself that would change her life forever. He is the living water, the spring of water welling up to eternal life. However, before He could give her this living water, she had to admit to the truth about who she really were and come to the realization that He is the Messiah, the Christ, whom everyone was waiting for. His words, "I who speak to you am He!" (v26), sets her feet in motion. She left her water jar and ran to the town to tell the people about this man who knew everything about her life, "Come, see a man.....Could this be the Christ?" (v29).

Notice how the people of the town responded to her testimony: they came out of the town, made their way toward Him (v30) and urged Him to stay with them (v40). Initially they believed because of the woman's testimony, "Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman's testimony". Although,after two days in His company, getting to know Him, and listening to His words, they said, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world. (v42).

You and I have one commission - to tell the good news about what Christ did in our lives! No fancy words, persuasiveness or eloquence is needed, only the honest testimony of what He did for us. It need not have the spectacular contents, but should tell the honest story of Jesus Christ who intervened in our being lost, our pain, sickness, hopelessness, grieve, unemployment, and  changed our lives.

Like this woman, you and I are merely the people who bring our testimony and then run on ahead to the place where He is waiting for them. His words, His presence, He himself is the Source of people's steadfast faith. The privilege to show people the way by the good news in our lives, is exactly what it is - a privilege. In addition, if their lives are being changed by this, we have been obedient, but honor is due to the lord only.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for revealing to me the things in my life that do not reflect the testimony of your presence in my life. Thank you for grace and mercy to keep on working and changing my life by your Word so that my life can testify of your glory. Amen