One of the most intriguing stories to me in the New Testament is the story of the woman at the well. 

I heard recently that although many people consider her to be one of the bad girls of the Bible, some theologians/Bible scholars believe infertility may be the reason for her multiple husbands. For me, this adds another layer of heartbreak for this dear woman and changes my perspective of her.

I imagine a woman who felt stuck in a season of perpetual waiting: for a purpose, for love, for a reason not to hide.

She came to the well at the hottest part of the day to avoid the other women. By now she had become a Mistress of Disguise, an expert at hiding. With a heavy load on her shoulders, she carried the burden of a life shrouded in shame. 

She was unloved, unwanted, and unfruitful. 

Her heart’s voice had screamed for so long to be heard that it had grown hoarse with hopelessness. 

She came to the well waiting and wanting. 

She met the Messiah, the One who ended her waiting. The Only one who could fulfill every need.

He was waiting for His disciples to return from buying lunch. It had been a long and tiring journey. So He stopped at that well to rest. 

He needed to go through that part of the country. He needed to sit at that well at that time of day. He needed to speak to that woman.  And ask her for one thing… A drink. 

She’s taken aback by the request because she is a Samaritan and He is a Jew — and He doesn’t reject her…

She asks Him questions. He answers… and then some.  He sees the pain she’s tried to hide. He hears the muffled cries of her heart. He offers her Truth.

It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out searching for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship…I am He. You don’t have to wait any longer or look any further.

(John 4:23-24, 26 The Message) 

By the time He is finished speaking with her, she is so full of hope that she has left her water jar–the heavy load–and comes out of hiding to invite others to meet Him. 

The reality of being fully known and accepted can only be experienced in the presence of Jesus….

From Waiting Well Chapter 4