The Great Exchange

Psalms 37:23
The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord and he delighteth in his way.

John 4: 4-9, 39-45
The woman at the well

This Christian journey is a great privilege to embark upon. Anything worth having, doing or being will present challenges. Then we have to make a decision to push past fear or any other emotion that will deter us from completing the path to our intended goal. Once we have chosen to make Jesus Lord of our lives regardless of what comes we can be sure that our steps have been ordered. Have you ever walked into something and questioned if you heard God right? Did the road look so foreign that you wanted to turn back? Know that once you submit to him he has a plan or a blueprint already mapped out for your life. You may not know the outcome, but I can guarantee if you stay the course, it will be far more than you can imagine or think. His thoughts aren't our thoughts neither are his ways ours. This is why it is important to trust him with all of our hearts and lean not to our own understanding. 

The story of the woman of Samaria at the well is a familiar passage. There are some things in the story that is applicable to this text. Jesus was on his way to Galilee but He needed to go through Samaria. He gets to Samaria and stops at Jacob’s well. He is tired and thirsty. The woman from Samaria is headed to the well, however she has an appointment she’s not even aware of with Jesus. These are people from completely different worlds that collide at an unusual location. Now Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans – the Jewish men didn't speak to women in public in those days. Jesus went against all of those things for this woman. His thirst and her thirst was their commonality. God will sometimes cause the right circumstances for you to end up in the position to get his will accomplished in your life as well as the life of another. We are his ambassadors. He is using us even when we are unaware. This is why we must be careful to always exemplify his character. When that individual cuts you off on the road or that employee treats you with disrespect we must remember who we represent and act accordingly.

Now let us not be guilty of behaving Christ-like in public but not in private. Let us be holy in all manner of conversation. The woman and Jesus have words and Jesus addresses the fact that they are different. He addresses her thirst and speaks concerning her life. He knew that speaking to her would be influential. Some of the most influential people have the worst track records. God loves them too and he may choose to use you while in the "way" to minister unto them. The change notably taking place in their lives can draw the multitude. Later on in the scripture it speaks about the Samaritans being convinced that Jesus was the Savior. They asked him to stay a while and he stayed two more days. He was accepted by who wasn't accepted and rejected by who was. The Bible says that a Prophet is without honor in his own country. So if you are rejected and shunned by those who are close while doing the will of the Father you are in good company. Make sure you are always attentive and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. You never know whose day it is. Whose appointment with Destiny depends on you putting your differences and personal prejudice aside. They too need a great exchange and the Father is depending on YOU HIS AMBASSADOR. PLEASE DON'T LET HIM DOWN.

article submitted by LaKeisha Lanier

Tabernacle of Meeting