When God asks us to do what we cannot do.
(2 Corinthians 4:6-7)
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made His light shine in our hearts. He gave us the light of knowing the glory of God through the face of Jesus Christ. Though His light shines through us, we are like fragile clay vessels containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves."

Have you noticed how many of God's prophets live out their prophecies as an example to others? Reading about the troubles of a prophet makes one think twice about asking for this spiritual gift. (Ezekiel 24:17-24, Matthew 5:11-12) Yet, it's the one Paul says is the greatest benefit to the church. (1Corinthians 14:1-4)

In John chapter 4, we see our Lord Jesus living out a prophecy. The fulfillment of that prophecy happens almost immediately. It's the sanctification of a human soul.

Jesus is thirsty. He sits at a well in Samaria without a vessel to draw water or drink from. (John 4:15, John 19:28, Micah 7:1-2, Deuteronomy 32:32)

The water represents God's Word. It's the logic He shares with mankind. When we study and live by it, we are "washed with the water of the Word." (John 15:3, Ephesians 5:25-33, 1 Corinthians 6:11, Ezekiel 36:25, Zechariah 13:1)
We see what is good about God's logic when we live it out and reap the spiritual benefits. This purifies our motives and strengthens our faith in God's advice. (Psalm 34:8, John 3:5, Psalm 15)

Godly words and actions offered through a clean human vessel, quench God's thirst for truth, compassion and fairness in the world. (John 19:28, Proverbs 30:5-6, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

A woman is there at the well also. She has a waterpot, but there's a problem. Being a non-Jew, she is "ceremonially unclean". Being a Samaritan, she might even be considered an enemy. Jews don't drink from Samaritan vessels. Jesus' dialogue with her also suggests that this woman "has a man that is not her husband." It seems she is living with a man as if married, but outside of a covenant relationship. ("Chambering" or, living together, is a sin that devalues the human family and fails to provide a solid spiritual foundation for children who are born into such a union. (Malachi 2:13-16, Romans 13:13)

Against all tradition and decorum, Jesus asks her for a drink from the well. (John 4:7, Proverbs 20:5, Exodus 4:10-16) This scene reminds me of Moses' reaction to God's calling on his life. When the Lord calls you, don't let tradition, stigma, or self-evaluation keep you from answering His call.

Jesus makes this request to "give Him a drink" from each of us when we feel the need to pray or to do good for others. He thirsts for our righteousness so we can have unity. (Matthew 5:6, John 6:44, Psalm 81:8-16)

Have you ever prayed a Psalm, or the Lord's Prayer? When we take what God has given us and offer it back to Him, it refreshes God. (John 7:37-39, Isaiah 58:11, Proverbs 10:11)

The woman is taken aback by this unusual Rabbi who doesn't think He's too holy to speak with her. She seems open to meeting Jesus' request, but assumes that there is no way for Him to drink from her vessel. She seems resigned to the fact that what she has to offer will never be clean enough for Him.

Then Jesus says something remarkable. He tells her that if she knew the gift of God, and who He was, she could ask Him for living water and receive it. His life-giving truth can make her clean. (Matthew 5:6, John 4:10, Isaiah 55:1-3)

So many times in the Bible, the Lord prepares a person for their ministry by prompting them to do something they cannot do without Him! Then He asks us to make room for Him by clearing out the things that stand in the way of our unity.

Jesus shows the woman at the well how she's devalued the vessel of her body. He asks her to do something she cannot do because of her sin. This shows her what she needs to clear out in order to make room to be filled with the Holy Spirit and become fit for her ministry.

She faces the truth by telling Jesus she cannot do what He's requested. She can't call her husband and come back because she has no husband. Jesus rewards her truthfulness by showing her just how true her statement is. (John 4:16-18, Luke 8:18)

She asks where to go to reunite with God, since Samaritan beliefs differ from the Jews' on this point. (John 4:19-20)

Jesus says she can have a relationship with God right here and now by taking joy in living by what she knows is right. That's what it means to worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. This is a message we can all take to heart. We're called to turn from selfish behavior and live by the Spirit of truth and responsible, charitable love. (John 4:19-24, John 3:5-8, Habakkuk 2:4)

The woman knows what to do next! She leaves her water pot with Jesus, and calls her whole city to meet the Messiah. Her ministry has begun. She's the first missionary to the Samaritans. (John 4:28-29, 1Kings 18:21)

The Lord also gives us an example to live by in this account. Even when we lack basic needs, God can empower us to approach others in a way that connects us all for mutual benefit. Jesus, Elijah, and Peter are just a few examples of how the Holy Spirit can equip us to face life's challenges like nothing else can. (John 6:5-14, 1Kings 17:9-16, Acts 3:1-8)