By Cyndi
The other day I was reading through John 4 about Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, and I saw such an intricate plan of God revealed in their conversations. First I noticed how Jesus gently engages with her, asking for a drink, and how He entices her with a riddle to prick her mind–”Sir, you have nothing to draw with…where do you get that living water?” He draws her in closer, explaining how wonderful this water is and how there is hope and life in it. She leans into His words.
But then He mentions the issue about her husband, or rather, husbands, and she goes into all kinds of diversions, hoping to avoid the true issue in her heart. She is living in 
denial, trying to ignore the giant love deficit in her life. It is extremely painful for her to look into her heart and really see what is there, yet Jesus’ mercy and kindness is so pure, she ventures in. He slowly exposes her, all the while tenderly showing His love, even in the midst of the ugliness–but truth–of her past. His compassion finally gets to the core of her being as she uncaringly leaves her water jar at the well and runs back into town.
In this story, the Lord draws this Samaritan woman to Himself and she feels true, unconditional love probably for the first time in her life. Her sins were uncovered, yet she felt a blanket of love around her. This great love gave her the courage to unmask herself to the point that she even tells others about Him, and how He can make them also feel such freedom.
This is such a wonderful example of how the Lord draws us. There are many times when I sense the Lord probing me. Sometimes I am in denial about issues in my life and I’m trying to avoid dealing with them. I don’t like feeling the pain so I stuff them into a corner of my heart with a “Do Not Disturb” sign over them daring anyone to bring up the matter.
But God is faithful to gently draw me to Himself, even as He did this woman. He unveils and exposes me, not to ridicule and shame me, but to cleanse me and heal me.
May we all be attentive to His drawing this week.
About cyndi
God Bless you Cyndi!
Perfect Love casts out all fear, and there is no fear in Love!
Lynn
This year, my Bible class will be doing an in depth study of John’s gospel. I will admit that getting the kids really engaged in studying God’s word is not always easy. Thanks for the reminder of how Jesus draws us in. Such compassion. (Maybe you could come in as a special speaker when we get to John 4! <3)
Thanks Lynn. That’s one of my favorite verses!
Mary, I would love to help out in any way possible. Having went to a Christian school, much of the Word was implanted in me at that time; I would love to pay it forward.
Cyndi,
Your article is as gentle a reminder of Jesus desire to heal me of my crud as the original event was with the woman at the well. Thank you for reflecting Christ and being available to come along side people on their journey toward wholeness in Christ.
Shelly