“They said to the woman, ‘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’” (John 4:42).
Like most couples, my husband and I have some significant differences – like the way we drive. I am a “straight-shot” driver – give me the most direct route with the fewest turns possible. He likes to take -shall we say – alternate routes as he drives. He is constantly trying to tell me his “better ways” to get from point A to point B, and I usually smile and go my own way. One of his shortcuts is a wide swing on a country road to avoid a city with heavy traffic. I usually fought through the traffic because I wasn’t sure I could navigate his preferred route. Until we moved a few months ago and we actually live right on this very road. Now, because I travel this road all the time, I am confident I can navigate it successfully and I’ve found it really is a better way.
When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4, He changed her life and she ran to tell her neighbors that she had found the Christ. They came to meet this man and heard His message in the two days He stayed in their town. John says, “Because of His words many more became believers.” (v. 41). They didn’t believe the woman’s claims about who Jesus was until they saw Him with their own eyes and heard Him with their own ears. Then they understood that Jesus was indeed God’s Anointed One – He was the better way.
In every life challenges and difficulties come and situations take us by surprise. Health struggles, joblessness, relationship battles, loss and heartache happen and we’re left wondering where to turn. My family is experiencing some of those right now and we are turning to God. Why? Because over the years, we have come to know Him through experience. We’ve found Him to be able and faithful. We’ve tried Him and are confident of His love and care.
Every challenge in life is an opportunity to discover who God is. Sure, you read about Him in the Bible and you’ve heard other’s talk about what He’s done in their lives, but what do those stories mean for you? Not much until you experience Him for yourself. A recent health issue reminded me that God is my Healer. In this present season, we are trusting in God as our Provider. A dear friend recently experienced loss and now confidently claims God as her Comforter. You can’t really know who God is until you have tried Him and found Him to be exactly what you need. Just as He said He would be.
Beloved, whatever your season, whatever the need – may I encourage you to try God? I am certain you will find He is able and faithful. Then you can say with confidence – “I believe because I have experienced Him for myself – I know He is everything He claims to be.”
Deeper Roots 