“Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water,'” (John 4:10) Bold added.
Walking through the malls used to be a joy for me before the pain of illness settled in. I especially enjoyed the water fountains spraying the water into the rays of colored lights. I often found myself looking for a penny or two for my children to wish on and then toss into the water.
My fascination with wishing wells inspired me several years ago, when I was still strong enough to work outside, to collect many rocks over the summer. I then constructed my very own rock wishing well in my front yard; it was a monument I was quite proud of. I have done other projects over the years but I will always love the old rock wishing well as it brings back fond memories of days past.
In John 4 we find the familiar story of the woman at the well. Jesus ask her for a drink of water and she was surprised that a Jew would ask a Samaritan for water. This was just not heard of in those days.
Jesus went on to explain in His loving manner that He is the gift of eternal life to all who will except it. By following Him she could drink of the living water! This story reminds us that we are to “follow” Jesus and drink from His well of Living Waters.
Sometimes I feel like my hopes are more like dreams and my prayers are more like wishes. I come to the living water and instead of drinking from it, I toss in my pennies and “wish.”
I wish for the things I “hope” to get. I wish for solutions to my problems. I wish for an easier life. I find that I am wishing instead of drinking. I am not following the source of the Living Water as much as I am merely tossing in my pennies; hoping, dreaming, and wishing.
When in prayer I need to focus on what the Lord has planned for me. I need to learn to follow Him and His will. I need to trust in His wisdom and rely on His promises. The answers I seek may not lead to the easy life I desire but by drinking from the “Well of Living Water” I am strengthening my faith to endure and laying my treasures in an eternal home.
No matter what we face here on earth, we are reminded that the most precious gift we can ever receive is free for the asking.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Lead us all to the well of Living Waters! Reveal in us your plan for our lives and help us to endure in our suffering that we may fulfill the things you would have us to do. Thank you Lord for all of your blessings! Amen.
About the author:
Deborah Farmer lives with her family and and suffers from many illnesses including fibromyalagia. She is praying for all who are reading this devotional today!
Note from Lisa: I recently finished reading a Christian fiction novel, Journey to the Well: A Novel
You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com
Are you seeking the Living Waters or are you throwing pennies in a man-made wishing well? Do you find yourself hoping and wishing instead of seeking God’s plan for your life?
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 