Key Bible Verse: A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Please give me a drink." … The woman was surprised (John 4:7, 9). Bonus Reading: John 4:3-14

I was in the checkout line at the grocery store, and the clerk was a fast worker. I realized that I'd hardly have time to ask her how she was doing. Then I noticed she was wearing a button that said, "We want to adopt." This isn't something most people would readily advertise to hundreds of complete strangers.

As the other customers were dropping their items on the conveyor belt, I looked at the checker and said, "I have some friends who've adopted. I'll pray for you." She seemed genuinely touched that I noticed her. That was it. I wanted to let her know that God cared about her and was proud of her courage, vulnerability, and selflessness.

I didn't "share the gospel" with her, but I did share Jesus, the gospel creator. I wasn't brave, bold, or smooth. I simply handed God the five loaves and two fish of my life and trusted Him to turn it into something significant for that young woman. God only asks us to give Him what we already have. It might take a little work to identify what that is, but we already have what we need to help move others closer to Him. The problem is we don't think that what we have is enough.

—Jim Henderson in a.k.a "Lost"

My Response: Do I agree that Jim shared Jesus? Why or why not?

Thought to Apply: Christianity isn't, and never has been, about finding the right combination of words! It is about encountering the living, loving God.—ALISTAIR MCGRATH (British theologian)

Adapted from a.k.a. "Lost" (WaterBrook, 2005) by permission. All rights reserved by James K. Henderson and/or WaterBrook Press.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, I want to come across to others not as religious so much as real. Help me make being Your disciple look inviting.

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