When the Water Runs Out

When I was in the Middle East earlier this year, I learned that the country was "water poor." Because there's no source of fresh water, it's in short supply, and is a truly precious commodity there.

You don't leave the water running when you brush your teeth. Actually, you use bottled water for brushing. Showers are quick and not always daily. Sometimes, there's no water for showering at all. Swimming pools? No. Water games. Not a good use of the tiny amount of water they have.

After what seemed like two weeks of steady rain here, the water shortages in the Middle East seem a distant memory. Recently, though, I saw a post by a friend on the other side of the world. They were thrilled about a renewed source of water.

Their city water had been out for more than two weeks. Imagine that for a moment. No showers. No baths. No watering plants. No washing cars. I don't know what they did about clothes, but I suspect using the washing machine was out, too.

When the water came back on, there was considerable rejoicing, because they had a first-hand understanding of the value, and preciousness, of water.

Like the Samaritan woman at the well, they longed for a water supply that would never run dry. (Leanna Paraphrase coming up.) When Jesus offered her water, she looked at Him and laughed. "You don't even have a bucket. How are you going to give me water?"

Jesus just smiled. "If you knew who I am and what I offered, you'd beg for my living water. It will satisfy your deepest thirst. With it, you'll never be thirsty again." 

"I need some of that," she told Him, and she was right. We all need some of that.

Something really interesting happened then. "You can have all the living water you want, but you need to deal with your sin." 

Those first few drops of refreshment during her conversation with Jesus were enough. She didn't waste a moment. That sin-scarred Samaritan woman raced to her town, dealt with her sin, told everyone about Jesus, and invited them to meet her Water-Giver. 

If we were truly thirsty for living water, we'd do anything to have it, too. The problem comes when we try to quench our thirsty with the refreshment the world has to offer. Busyness. Stuff. Position. Power. Prestige. Family. Kids and their activities. They all offer a degree of satisfaction, but it's transient. 

Only Jesus offers the thirst-quenching water that endures. 

Are we thirsty for refreshment, renewal? 

Does an aching desire in our soul need quenching? 

Maybe it's time for the living water that never runs dry. Let's turn to Jesus and let Him wash and fill our empty place with water that always satisfies.

We can having living water. All we have to do is ask.

"Jesus answered and said to her, 'If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, "Give me a drink," you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." John 4:10 nasb
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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Gaining a Blessing By Praying for Peace

If you feel led to partner with this ministry (US, Jordan, the digital world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 

Or you can mail your check or money order to: Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.