While resting in the Lord this morning I was reminded of an amazing encounter with the Lord that happened about a month ago. If memory serves me correctly, it was the week before I found out the results of the biopsy. One evening I had a dream that I got "bad news" and in the dream there was a poster at the doctor's office with a scripture reference on it. When I woke up, I rememberd the dream and the scriptue refernce. Naturally, I couldn't wait to look up the verse KNOWING it was some fabulous, inspirational Word from God that would comfort me and make me feel better. The verse is John 4:4 and it states, "And He had to pass through Samaria." That's it. What??? My first thought was ... this is ridiculous and what in the world is that supposed to mean. To be honest, I had a bit of a bad attitude about it and thank the Lord I read the commentary in my Bible. Here's what the commentary says about this verse. By the way my Bible is the English Standard Version. "Jesus had to pass this way because of geography(it was the shortest route), but the words may also indicate that Jesus' itinerary was subject to the sovereign and providential plan of God ("had to" translates Greek dei, 'to be necessary,' which always indicates divine necessity or requirement." Oh my goodness. My bad attitude turned into repentace very quickly. The God of the Universe was speaking directly to me. He was telling me that this path I was taking would be a short cut and was necessary and my itinerary was part of His providential plan. Wow. I knew that whatever happened to me God was in control and His plan was for me to walk through 'Samaria.' I began to read all of John 4 to be reminded of the woman of Samaria and Jesus' state of mind. Jesus was weary from his travels and God the Father brought him a ministry opportunity.
I cannot explain to you the joy that washed over my soul when the Holy Spirit revealed these truths to me. God was telling me "Ann, this will be a short cut. I'm with you. I will even bring people TO you so that you can minister to them EVEN when you're weary." WOW. WOW. WOW.
Thanks again folks for letting me share. I pray that God will shine on you today and encourage you. Look for Him - He really is waiting to speak to you. Listen for Him on the radio, through others, and even when you sleep He will speak.
Much love,
Ann
xoxox
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This really hit me today.. I needed to hear this.. we travel the roads we do for a reason..no the reasons may not always be clear but the reason will reveal itself when its time .. this made me smile because I've been trying to figure out why things were going like they were for me and now I see things in a much different and brighter light.. thank you for sharing.......
ReplyDeleteSamaria was not a pleasant short cut. Jews and Samarians were not buddies (thnk Israelis and Palestinians today). I think of this more than a short cut but a place Jesus had to go to give witness to his ministry to all people. never easy and always necessary. But that's just me ; )
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