Woman at the Well Encounters by Lisa Torres

by Rachael Adams | Jan 5, 2023 | The Love Offering Guest Blog Series

Of all the stories in Scripture, one that reaches into my soul and resonates deeply is the encounter between Jesus and the woman at the well. Many a time, I’ve reflected on how that day may have started. After years of being shunned, maybe she had convinced herself this was her cross to bear, and then she encountered the One who would bear it all on an actual cross.

It was her regular routine, inconvenient but necessary, to take that trek from the comfort of her village to this remote well at the hottest part of the day. Her life choices had resulted in being judged and ostracized. At first, it must have been hurtful yet with time, she may have grown accustomed to the loneliness. That day though, this woman had no idea that she would come face-to-face with her Messiah.

Purposely, Jesus went out of His way to pursue this ostracized woman. John 4:4 tells us that, “He needed to go through Samaria.” He knew the depth of her emptiness and how she attempted to quell it with multiple relationships—some marriages and the last one not. It could only be satiated through the source of true living water. How incredible that our Savior has such grace and mercy towards us!

God is faithful to His plans. Nothing could stop Jesus from that pre-appointed moment to show the lost woman the unfailing love of God. While others may have considered her an outcast, immoral, and perhaps ignorant, none of these descriptors were a barrier for Jesus. He really knew what she longed for—purpose, significance, and forgiveness. Our Savior saw her in a way that no other ever had.

With amazing grace, Jesus sought to redeem and restore her, allowing this scarred woman to experience shalom (wholeness) again. That is how it is with each one of us. Two years ago, I had my “woman at the well” moment. You see, like the Samaritan woman, I found myself disconnected and unseen, filling my void with anything but God. Struggling with depression, my go-to was to act as if everything was fine and fill my days doing all the things yet feeling so lost and unseen. The guilt and shame were crushing. I hit rock bottom, but my God did not leave me there.

During this time, Psalm 3:3, “But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head,” became so real to me. What was meant to destroy, God used to deepen my faith and increase my love towards others, especially the brokenhearted. He gave me new eyes to see His hand at work at a level I hadn’t experienced before. Like the Samaritan woman, this experience has evoked such awe about how God loves us that I just want to share it with everyone!

I don’t know what your “woman at the well” moment may be. This I do know—His love redeems and restores us. True freedom is in Him!

About the Author:

Lisa is a motivational speaker, certified wellness coach as well a former international nonprofit fundraiser. She also recently launched her executive coaching business where she helps staff of growing nonprofits to serve with excellence. Lisa is passionate about helping women 40 and over to embrace optimal health—mind, body, and soul. Her life experiences have led to her calling to reach women who are hiding in the shadows of brokenness and help them restore their identity in Christ. She has been able to do this by co-leading Calvary Chapel North Miami’s women’s ministry, one on one discipleship as well as serving on mission trips.

Lisa who grew up on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands loves being outdoors and getting others to do the same. The beach is her happy place. She is an avid reader and podcast listener, always ready to share recommendations. Close to her heart is being a wife and Mom. She is married to her husband of 24 years and homeschools their 13-year-old son. They love traveling and enjoy living in beautiful South Florida.