“Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, ‘He told me all that I ever did.’” John 4:39 (ESV)

Have you ever thought it couldn’t get worse … until it did?

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. It was the third time in less than two years that the “C” word was being shared with me. I had just lost my close friend, followed by my father, to cancer. This time, the diagnosis belonged to my sister, and I was devastated.

This reminds me of a Samaritan woman in the Bible who encountered a few challenges of her own. In John 4:16-18, there’s an exchange between her and Jesus:

“Jesus said to her, ‘Go, call your husband, and come here.’ The woman answered him, ‘I have no husband.’ Jesus said to her, ‘You are right in saying, “I have no husband”; for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true’” (ESV).

I’ve often wondered: Why five husbands? Who was the sixth man? How was her heart? Was she bitter or angry or hopeful? How many times did she think her life couldn’t get worse … until it did?

Friend, there is hope. Jesus came to meet with her in her worst days, just like He does with you and me. And this wasn’t where her story would end. After Jesus told her about eternal life in Him, we then read …

“Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me all that I ever did’” (John 4:39).

Her testimony brought others to Jesus. Her circumstances didn’t change, but her heart did.

My testimony is that the suffering of my loved ones not only affected me; it tried to destroy my faith. But Jesus came and met me at the well like He did with the Samaritan woman. And now I’m here to share that no matter what you’re experiencing — whether it’s a diagnosis, depression, anxiety, broken trust or fractured relationships — your life challenges are not in vain.

Jesus sees you.
He is at the well.
Meet with Him.
Pray difficult things.
Hear His voice.

Your challenges and heartaches could be the catalyst to bring others to the almighty yet very personal God. He is waiting for you and them.

In many ways, Proverbs 31 Ministries acts as a “well” where women around the world meet with Jesus. Through our resources, they encounter the Savior and, in turn, share the Truth of His Word with others. What if I told you that you could be a part of their “well” experiences? When you partner with us, 100% of your gift goes toward reaching more women with God’s Truth … and when you give today, your gift can be matched dollar for dollar. Find out more below!

We also treasure your support through prayer. Will you join me in prayer?

Jesus, thank You for using even the unwanted parts of our stories to draw people to Yourself. Help us to hold tightly to You when the storms of life come. May we always remember our testimony and our “well” encounters with You. We love You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (NIV).

What life challenge or hardship do you need to take to Jesus at the well? How can you share your story, financial support or prayer to bless someone today? We’d love to hear from you — share your thoughts in the comments!

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