Jack 'n' Jill or Just Plain Me?

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When I was young in the faith, I used to thank God that - like Jack ‘n’ Jill climbing up the hill for a pail of water - I could always go to “the well” and get living water for those around me who were troubled or without Christ.

I would climb up that hill anytime I needed to, or anytime that someone near me had a need, and God would always come through with an answer - there was always living water to be had for anyone who was thirsty for an answer.

Little by little, though, I found that I was becoming physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausted. The treks back up the hill were beginning to take their toll. Even though I so deeply wanted to help those around me, I was beginning to wear down.

And then one day, I couldn’t make it back up the hill.
And I sat there, thirsty, tired and unable to reach the well.

In hindsight, I realize that our Lord allowed me to arrive at that desperate point so that I would remember the lesson that He was about to teach me. I had been left empty by my own efforts, my own well-intentioned plans to help others, my own perception that I was a go-between for people and the living water in that well at the top of the hill.

“Ben,” our Lord told me, “you are not the well. I am. I do not need you in order to be able to give My living water to My children. Put down your bucket, Ben,” He said. I relaxed for the first time in a long time, and I listened as one thirsty for living water for my own soul, but unable to reach it.

“The well is not at the top of the hill, Ben, “ He explained. “I have placed it within you. Do you remember My Word, Ben? ‘But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.’”

“The well of My living water is within you, Ben,” He continued, “and it is there to fill you up first, and then to flow out to others as I so choose. Stop climbing, and rest in Me.” And so I did.

There is a peace knowing that we have been given a well of living water within us. Sure, our hearts still ache with the knowledge that some in our lives do not have that assurance. But, what can we do except experience that living water within us and then allow it to pour forth when He determines it should? After that, each person has a choice to believe or not believe in Christ Jesus.

These days, I try not to spend time climbing the hill like Jack ‘n‘ Jill, and being overwhelmed by my desire that all those around me might come to Christ. Rather, I seek to spend my time being thankful for the living water of His grace toward me, and by letting that water flow forth as He desires.

Funny thing. As I have sought to do that, His living water within me has become more evident than ever before to those in my life who are lost. More peace for me, more fruit for God. Sounds like a good deal, doesn’t it?

I guess being Jack ‘n‘ Jill climbing up that hill for a pail of water resulted in a good lesson for my life. But being myself in Him, His little boy Ben, resting in His care with His living water within me, has turned out to be a whole lot better.