John 4:25-26 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I who speak to you am he.”

Either John talked to the woman over the next two days, (verse 40) which seems likely, or God gave him a clear revelation of what went on, because Jesus and the woman were the only people physically present at this encounter. That said, this is an absolutely amazing incident. In the first place, Jesus knew that He had an appointment at this well, because there was no particular reason why He would have been more tired than His disciples, but He stayed behind. In the second place, the woman herself brought up the socially and culturally unusual, even inappropriate, elements of a Jewish man having a conversation with a Samaritan woman. In the third place, this is the first time, and one of the clearest times, Jesus told anyone that He was the Son of God. God certainly has a way of doing the unexpected! We have no record of how many of the townspeople believed in Jesus over the next couple of days, but it was quite a few at least. God’s plans may be unexpected, and even strange from our perspective, but they are always good. What Jesus told this woman, that doubtless resonated strongly in her heart, has opened the eyes of countless people down through the centuries since John recorded it. This is yet another illustration that nothing is impossible with God! (Luke 1:27)

I’ve had assorted unexpected/surprising encounters with God over the years, and I look forward to the next! The term, divine appointment, has resonated with me ever since I first heard it, because it so well describes many experiences I’ve had. I do make plans and set up schedules, but I am very aware that God is the One who controls what actually happens. Nothing I could plan would equal what He has in mind! I have learned that He can use absolutely anything to bring about blessing, (Romans 8:28) and I am to expect Him to do so. I have learned that He can speak through me even when I have no idea it’s happening, and I am to expect Him to do that, too. I have also learned that He can and does speak to me in ways and through people and things that I would not have expected, and I am to seek to be open and sensitive to Him whenever that happens. We’re back to the uncontestable reality that God is far smarter and more powerful than we could ever be, and that’s a very good thing indeed.

Father, thank You for Your plans for my life. At this age I might think those plans are finished, but I remember Moses, whose ministry really began when he was 80. Help me meet all Your appointments for me and recognize them when they happen, rejoicing in being part of Your plan, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!