I have 
always taken an interest in the stories of the women in the Bible; in hopes I could see myself and know whether I am the only female dealing with particular circumstances. One of the females I find the most connection with is the woman at the well. She was a woman who had a slew of men yet lived in isolation. What I can relate to is that she was hiding from other women to avoid rejection and numb the pain of being ostracized. Her need to avoid other women caused her to draw water at the hottest time of the day to avoid their stares and judgment.
So many of us can relate to her because we often have the same thought , “what if they say so and so…?”
This thought can often be the spark that ignites our anxiety. No matter the task at hand or opportunity before us, our minds are riddled with the dread of what others may say or think.
For some of us, we want so desperately to separate ourselves from our past mistakes yet feel bound by them. For some of us, the straitjacket of opinions cripple us from moving forward.
We are haunted not only by the ghosts of past mistakes but by the ever present ridicule of others. How can we move forward? How can we be free from the opinions of others?
This woman at the well had a conversation with Jesus and that one conversation changed her life. A good conversation can definitely do that. It is no secret that a good conversation with Jesus will change one’s life. This is just one example out of several stories in the bible where an encounter with Jesus changed a person’s life. What I find remarkable about this woman’s story is that she ran back into town to tell everyone about Jesus. Her reaction was clear. Her priority wasn’t to head home, nor was to clean up her mess by kicking out her live-in boyfriend who was probably married to someone else at the time. Instead, she went to the people who despised her; those whose judgmental stares she intentionally avoided. She told them about the goodness of God. The fear of their judgment was gone! That’s what a true encounter with Jesus will produce, freedom. It moves us past our fears. Fear of the opinions of others will no longer permeate our minds. The courage that she exhibited was tremendous.
Knowing full well these people could turn their back on her, ignore her etc., she still went, she still spoke up, and shouted with confidence “Come see a man!”
The question now is, who are we hiding from? Have we encountered Jesus in such a way that it dispels all fears? Has our encounter with Jesus changed our perception of ourselves and others?
Can we like the women at the well boldly step into our next season without fearing what others may say? Can we step out in faith knowing we must come in contact with those whose judgments we once feared? Her courageous act brought others to Christ.
What gifts and talents are we hiding out of fear? What words of wisdom and encouragement did God place in our mouths that we refuse to speak knowing full well it may lead others to repentance. But due to fear of ridicule, negative comments and unsolicited opinions and advice, we refuse to move forward?
Please take a moment to read the story of the woman at the well found in John 4:1-30; though short, it’s incredible and inspiring.
Today is our “at the well moment!” It’s time to move forward and no longer be crippled by the fear of what others may say.