“The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet.” John 4:19
There is much to say about the phrase, perception is reality. But today our focus concerns one person whose entire perception of herself and her perception of God was completely changed during one brief conversation with Jesus. And God used her as the key to unlock the power of Jesus’ ministry to an entire city! It’s recorded for us in John 4:1-42
This woman had gone from man to man, and through one failed marriage after another, until she had been through 5 marriages. And she was currently living with a man she wasn’t married to. Yet, Jesus saw value in her. He gave her something that no one else could give her! He gave her a new perception of herself from God’s point of view. Her community gave her nothing but rejection. But Jesus told her that He was willing to give her the waters of eternal life! He changed what she believed about herself and about God. With the help of the Holy Spirit, she realized she was in the presence of a prophet! Yet, He did not condemn her. Instead, He breathed into her a new and living hope that no one could ever take away from her!
There’s only one thing that has the power to break through our negative perceptions and emotional strongholds that have blinded us to God’s love. It’s the Word of God through the power of the Holy Spirit! His Word carries His truth that liberates us from what we have believed and establishes us in His reality!
Whatever our perception of ourselves, life, or God may be, no matter how low, twisted or hopeless life has become for you; one honest and sincere conversation with the Master will breathe the hope and light of God’s love and acceptance that only comes from God! God doesn’t accuse us! He loves us! He has the power to redeem, restore, reconcile and renew us from the inside. It’s His love for you that caused Him to come into this world with the light of heaven! That light shines in the darkness and drives it out!
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” John 3:17.
Let that truth change your perception of how God sees you and what He was willing to do to make His love and acceptance your reality!
With Love,
Pastor Tom