The Samaritan Woman

One of the hardest things to face in life is to accept the fact that not everyone you meet is going to like you.  Whether they choose not to like you as a friend, or even in a romantic manner.

When we were younger, you knew others didn't like you because they would call you a bugar-head, or check the "no" box on a sheet of paper asking if they like-liked you.

Now as young adults, we tend to keep things hidden to ourselves, or within our social group, if we don't like someone.

Recently, someone who I thought was a friend turns out to think I am annoying, loud, and apparently can't stand me.  Which, honestly, hurts...a lot.  Also recently, a guy I have been pursuing romantically has completely 180'ed interest in me.  Which hurts a lot too.

So, lately I have been sort of depressed and just have been opposite of who I am.  I have been avoiding friends, doing my best to not start trouble, and have just been a total wallflower.  Which is the polar opposite of who I am.

What makes matters worst is that, I know that isn't what God wants me to do.

Rejection from people is a part of life.  We just need to "keep on, keepin' on," and not let the fear of disappointing others step in the way.

But, we are to focus on God and our relationship with Him.

One example I can think of is the Samaritan Woman.  In John 4, there is the story of the Samaritan woman, who was essentially an outsider to others.  She was a woman shunned by the Samaritan community, and it is said that she had five husbands.  However, it is more than likely that these were just men she had romantic involvement with, not her actual husbands.

Despite the social norms of who this woman was, Jesus approached her and broke 3 major social rules:
     1. Women were considered greatly inferior to men; in public, no Middle Eastern man ever spoke to a woman, not even to his wife, mother, or sister.
     2. No Jew ever spoke to a Samaritan.  Jews believed Samaritans had betrayed their faith because they had intermarried with foreigner.  The Jew and Samaritans hated and avoided each other.
   3. No self-respecting man, especially a teacher, would ever speak to a woman with such a despicable reputation.  This woman was a well-known social outcast.

Jesus not only engaged in conversation with the Samaritan woman and broke social barriers, Jesus taught her, offered forgiveness, redemption, and new life.

Jesus gave her His cup of living water. 

 John 4: 13-14 states:

"Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will NEVER thirst.  

But the water that I shall give him will become in him a 

fountain of water springing up into everlasting life."

Jesus went on to transform her life, He gave her hope!

As soon as the Samaritan realized that she was talking with her Messiah, her Creator, her Savior- She became over-whelmed and went to town enthusiastic to spread the word.

This too is what we should do when we face adversity, at least I hope I can do this one day.

When in adverse situations, I want to spread joy and be of good news.  I want God to change all the internal emotions I have that pull me down, that give me doubts of my worth, and the negative thoughts that tell me I am not good enough.

Nehemiah 8:10 states:

"The joy of the Lord is your strength!"

When you are in a difficult situation when you are an outcast, how do you respond?  

Do you avoid those who hurt you or do you continue the life that God intended you to live?

Are you continually drinking the water of everlasting life?

On a positive note,  I will fight these thoughts of insecurity and doubt.  And, the rejection I face- I will carry on and just strive to be full of joy.

Have a blessed day,

<3 KM