Ever notice that person sitting alone that no one is talking to?  You know, the one who looks incredibly uncomfortable and out-of-place?  We’ve all felt like that at times, haven’t we? 

John 4 tells a remarkable story of a Samaritan woman who felt this way (she may not have said it like that exactly).  More importantly is what Jesus did to make sure He connected with this woman.

According to John 4:4, Jesus “had to travel through Samaria”.  Had – as in compelled to…called to.  At this point in history, Jews avoided “travel through Samaria” because these two races hated each other.  Yet, here was Jesus – purposefully  traveling through this area.

And, when He arrives, he strikes up a conversation with a Samaritan woman at the well (*gasp*).  This brief exchange proved life-changing for this woman and God used her simple testimony of “Come, see a man who told me everything I did.” (vs. 29) to transform the lives of countless other Samaritans from her town to believe in Jesus too (vs. 41 – 42).

Do we view our conversations like that?  When we see that person who appears disconnected and lost – do we view a simple introduction and kind conversation as life-altering?

People’s lives cannot be impacted by someone who never introduces themselves.  In order to be effective as Christ-followers, we have to obey our “call” and “travel” towards someone (i.e.: move in their direction); we have to introduce ourselves and strike up that personal conversation; we have to be like Jesus and make the first move, take the first step, and be open to conversation with someone new (and, many times, someone totally NOT like us).

It requires stepping out of our comfort zone as it can feel awkward or weird; it requires being intentional and pro-active and listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  Are we willing to do that? 

Never underestimate the work that God is doing if we’ll only obey!  Lives are changed because of connection – like the Samaritan woman.  Had Jesus chosen to go around Samaria on his trip, this woman’s life wouldn’t have been transformed the way it was.  Jesus obeyed His Father’s call and, as a result, lives were eternally impacted!

Let’s be like Jesus and look to make personal connections today that will alter lives forever!

Until next time, Grace and Glory!