Hosanna Restoration Church

Recently we have looked at how people respond to the Word of God and how it affects their lives. Ultimately of course we want to see what we can learn from these responses and apply it to our own lives. As I sought the Lord concerning what He wanted me to share, He said, “Encouragement.” God wants us to be encouraged. He always wants us to be encouraged. He wants us to know that there is hope and that He is able to help.

At first I wondered how this particular scripture applied, but it was not up to me to figure it out. Soon I saw in this woman’s response to Jesus words, just how He truly did encourage her. When you read the exchange between them you could see it as anything but encouraging.

First, He confused her. Then it seemed that He promised her the impossible. When she asked Him for something he baited her and then exposed the sin in her life. In the end He revealed true worship to her and sent her on her way.

In all of this, she never revealed one hint of being put off or of feeling sorry for herself. She never once tried to make an excuse for herself. Somehow, Jesus was able to speak all of the things He spoke to her and it did nothing but build her hope. She left that place so encouraged that she ran to tell everyone she saw that they too should come and see this man.

There is a good possibility that this woman was normally scorned by most of the people and on any other occasion she may have just passed them with her head down afraid to even speak to them. Isn’t it amazing how a few minutes with Jesus could change things? Remember, she was amazed that He had spoken to her when they first started. I guess she decided that if He would speak to her, she could speak to anyone.

I pray that this word will encourage you to be one who encourages. If you know the Lord, then be sure that you always use His word to encourage and lift people up. The Holy Spirit can convict and restore people in a moment if we will allow them to see Jesus lifted up.

If you do not know the Lord, realize that His words are intended to save you and give you hope. He did not come to take anything from you but your sin and death and replace it with abundant life. There is a way out of every circumstance in Life. His name is Jesus. Allow His words to refresh your spirit and worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.