Maybe this is just something I struggle with- but it’s not unusual for me to quickly pass over what I consider “familiar” Bible stories or passages of scripture. I wrongly assume that since I know the words or story that I understand and have learned all there is to know. Do you ever find yourself doing this? Maybe even rushing to the point that you aren’t really reading the words, instead you skim the passage. This is a behavior I struggle with and one I’m really trying hard to break. Thankfully the Holy Spirit is at work and often stops me. He will either make me go back and reread a passage of scripture, or if I fail to listen the first time, remind me of a few words till I go back. It’s at this point I pray and ask Him to force me to slow down and show me what I missed.

Case in point, I’ve been working through the gospel of John. Honestly part of the reason I chose John was for the very struggle I mentioned-I tend to shy away from the gospels in Bible Study because I wrongly assume I know and understand all there is to know. (Can you say prideful?!) Anyway, John 4 contains one of these familiar passages – The woman at the well. We all know it and could more than likely tell the story without even opening our Bible. But here is the thing, God tells us in Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” That means God’s word never gets old and there is always something more we can learn.

Sorry, back to the point again. John 4:35b says “Open your eyes and look at the fields, because they are ready for harvest”. Those are the few words I have not been able to shake this week! You see, somehow in all my years of reading the Bible, going to church, and listening to preachers/teachers I missed a big point in this story. Let me explain with a quick recap – Jesus, traveling through Samaria sits down by a well. He is thirsty, so when this woman comes along, He ask for a drink. There is the verbal exchange between Jesus and this woman when she realizes this isn’t just any man she is talking to, so she leaves her water jug and goes to get the town’s people to come and see. Meanwhile the disciples return, not understanding what’s going on, so Jesus explains beginning in verse 35. Here is the part I never really got – Jesus is telling His disciples to open their eyes and look because all these people from Samaria were coming to see Him! Seriously, I don’t know how I never really made this connection before!! The “ripe harvest” was literally coming right to them, but they couldn’t see it.

It makes me wonder if the disciples, like me, were so focused on and consumed with what was ahead that they missed the here and now. Keep in mind they were on their way to Galilee, they were supposed to be just passing through Samaria, a town most Jews avoided. I am so guilty of doing the same thing! Far too often my eyes are on something other than what is right in front of me. I don’t know how many times I’ve thought “this isn’t even where I’m supposed to be” and by doing so missed countless opportunities to share Jesus with those right in front of me. You see I struggle with loving this world and what it offers too much at times. My eyes and heart are naturally drawn to what I don’t have or where I want to or think I should be. I’ll be honest and say this conviction brought me to my knees. God broke my heart all over again for the people I see day in and day out that may not know Jesus or be growing in Him. I’ve been guilty of looking past them to what I want out of life versus being obedient and content with exactly where God has placed in this season. It is so easy and natural for our human hearts to see what we don’t have over the numerous blessings right in front of us, people and things we take for granted every single day. Our natural hearts long to be seen, noticed and loved. But what we too easily forget is that God has always loved us, always sees us and knows us better than we even know ourselves. 

For weeks now, God has been telling me to stop striving and trust Him, His ways, His timing, His plan. The Holy Spirit slowing me down and continuing bringing this one verse to mind has brought this learning more meaning and understanding. My hope and prayer is that you too will lean into God’s plan and slow down when reading His word, allowing the Spirit to guide you into fresh insights and understanding.

P.S. If you read my last post about possibly hanging up this writing gig – clearly God’s not ready for that to happen just yet.