Never Underestimate Your Testimony

I'm drawn to the story of the woman at the well because it is here that Jesus enters a culture who somewhat half knows God. From my understanding their loyalties were divided on the aspect of who and what to worship. Jesus swam right into the muddy waters and made things clear once and for all for the Samaritans and it started at the well. I admire how Jesus walked into this interaction with an open heart, a calm demeanor, and ready to share the truth - above all else he was compassionate, and didn't condemn her for having five husbands. He walked into her broken story and brought healing and peace to it.

The other thing I find interesting is the openness to accepting the words Jesus spoke. Sometimes I feel like I pass by several "women at the well" and just as much assume they don't want to hear or already know about the Kingdom of God. The interesting thing is that she admitted to knowing the Messiah is coming. Again, we are living in a culture similar to the story in the way of divided loyalty. People may know Jesus and the riches of the Kingdom, but do they worship him solely?

Yes, I am drawn to the compassion of Jesus, his willingness to listen and respond appropriately, and his ability to bring hope into a broken area that needed to be put back together. Lastly, I love how Jesus dared to be courageous and open to conversation regardless of background or belief. When his disciples saw him talking to a Samaritan they didn't say a word but their facial expressions said it all. I believe we're all called to have God ordained conversations with people and share our faith. I also know we must always be ready because we are not the judge of when and where these conversations happen. The truth of the matter is, some people may think differently of you for being accepting of others who are "different" than you. Never underestimate the power of Christ working in and through you. Dare to be courageous and share Jesus without fear.

Here are some takeaways:

1. You don't always have to go out of your way to share your faith.

-As a matter of fact, Jesus was traveling along a path he intended to go when he came across the woman at the well. Don't think you haven't passed by hundreds if not thousands of people in your lifetime that had open ears to hear the truth but it was never spoken to them.

2. Share the story because someone once shared it to you.

-When the Bible made note of the disciples reaction to Jesus talking with the Samaritan, I was almost blown away. At this time in history the Jews didn't talk to the Samaritans. It got me thinking that some of us have been more like the disciples were in this story and less like Jesus. You see, this happens everyday. It seems as if 10% of us share the story and the other 90% stand around with a blank stare on our faces. Don't be a bystander - share the story because someone once it shared it with you.

3. The testimony you share can have a chain reaction.

-After Jesus shared with the woman at the well, she went back to her village and told everyone. As a matter of fact, Jesus stayed with them teaching for a couple days after. Never underestimate the power of your testimony. You have no idea how far one conversation can go, and how many more people can be changed by your story. You may not be the catalyst in a whole community coming to Christ, but a little conversation goes a long way.

God Bless.