Epic Family, 

Every human being has desires and longings. We are looking for something that will satisfy our thirst for fulfillment. What are you longing for in this season? An end to COVID-19? A return to your normal life? The chance to have dinner with a friend? The possibility of being able to still go on the summer vacation you’ve been planning? I have some of these same desires you do.

Because we all have desires, it could be possible that we’re trying to satisfy our thirst in this season with things that will only make us more thirsty. What are you currently asking to bring you fulfillment? Has it been able to deliver what you were hoping it would? If not, are you open to exploring other possibilities?

In John 4, there’s an incredible encounter between Jesus and a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. This woman is there to draw actual water from the well. Jesus lets her know that he’s aware that she’s been married five times previously and is currently living with a man who isn’t her husband. This may seem harsh, but I think he’s giving her a gift. He’s exposing the way in which she has been trying to quench her thirst in life. Perhaps Jesus is using this letter right now as a gift in your own life. He isn’t here to condemn me or you for what we have sought after. But He is offering us something really special.

John 4:13-14 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Jesus offers this living water to everyone. This water is available to you. It was unheard of at this time for a Jewish man to engage in conversation like this with a Samaritan woman. (Look at verse 37 - even his disciples were surprised to see him talking with a woman.) We have looked elsewhere to have our longings fulfilled, but Jesus isn’t condemning us. He knows that He has what our souls most long for. Regardless of what “wells” you have continued to go to in your life, the invitation from Jesus is available to you. Will you receive this incredible gift?

What Jesus gives us isn’t dependent on external circumstances. He says this water will become “in” us a spring of water. This is good news for all of us! Our current season cannot take away the fulfillment that Jesus brings to our souls. The world has changed in almost every way over the past few months, but the promise of Jesus to satisfy us remains. Can you imagine Jesus being so alive in you that you don’t have to look outside of you?

What Jesus gives us will last for eternity. We constantly desire new things in our lives. We tell ourselves, “I must have this thing or that experience.” And when we get it, it’s great - for a season. But eventually, the fulfillment wears off and we need something new. This is one of the reasons companies invest so much in marketing. Jesus is offering us a kind of soul satisfaction that doesn’t have an expiration date. Sure, we’re called to renew our faith on a daily basis. But there’s never going to be a day when we’ve got all of Jesus there was and now we must look for something new. 

What are you currently thirsting after?

How can you practically receive what Jesus is offering here?

Read verses 39-42 in John 4. This woman goes on to tell everyone about her encounter with Jesus. Who is one person you could share this email with or just share what you’re learning about what to do with your thirst?

Use Psalm 63:1 to express your thirst to God. “You, God are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.”

Much Love,