The Samaritan Woman

John 4:1-42 tells the story of the Woman of Samaria who was looked down upon by other Samaritans because she was living in sin. Respectable Jewish men would not speak to Samaritans because their race was disliked, but Jesus transcended all barriers to share His life with her. He asked her for a drink of water, and He began to tell her about the personal things in her life that she didn't think a stranger would know. She tried to change the subject to a religious argument about where to worship. He let her know that what mattered was not about being religious, but was about knowing who He was. Instead of changing the subject He changed her life by what He told her.

Our past sins often make us uncomfortable, and we would all probably like to erase portions of our lives if we could. In fact, that was a topic of discussion in our Sunday School class today as we discussed forgiveness. The question was, "Looking back over the different experiences of your life, what time period would you most like to be able to ask God for a 'do-over?'" I listened intently as we went around the circle in the room knowing full well what my answer would be, because I had this conversation through tear-filled eyes with a friend who is going through marital problems just a week ago. Everyone pinpointed a specific time-period during their life and stated why they would like a "do-over." When it was my turn to talk I said, "I wouldn't want a 'do-over' even as hard as some of my experiences have been." As I received puzzled looks from class members, I went on to explain just like I did to my friend last week. I believe that God allows us to walk through fires to show us things. Do I want to walk through them again? No way! Am I proud of all the decisions that I've made in my past? Not at all, but I believe that our experiences make us who we are. I believe that God allows us to fall so that He can pick us back up. I believe that God allow us to experience valleys so that we can experience the mountaintops. I believe that He allows us to sin so that He can show us forgiveness. God has used the storm in my marriage already to allow me to minister to several young ladies in just a year, and I'm very thankful for that opportunity. God was able to use the Samaritan Woman to share the Good News about Him. What about you ... would you like a "do-over" or can God use your circumstances where you are?