L. C. FOX-SMITH - 24/05/25: Today I read John Chapter 4, the woman at the well. We touched on it briefly during Bible study yesterday when we talked about being a witness to others of Christ. John 4:42 stood out today: ‘And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.’
Like the woman at the well, we can tell people about Jesus but we can’t convince or argue them into believing. They have to experience Him for themselves to truly understand what He can do in their lives. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do our best to share His word, but I think it does influence our approach and it certainly reigns in our expectations.
I feel like John 4:34-38 is telling us this, too. Together we can spread the gospel, and Jesus even tells us that people are ready to hear it. Some of us will sow seeds, while others will come later to water them, and eventually others will harvest. Together we will rejoice, not because we’ve gained anything ourselves, but because we know others get to experience the fulfilment (the living water) only Jesus can give them. Much more than that, they are given salvation - a new life in Him.
My takeaway is that it’s not on us to make people believe; that’s between them and God. Our role is to share our testimony and speak truth. Sometimes we may find ourselves building on what others have shared before us, so it’s important to be a good example, live faithfully and stay true to His word. God will take care of the rest.
How will you sow some seeds today?