And He had to pass through Samaria.
John 4:4

He was hot, thirsty, and weary. It was lunchtime and He still had several miles to go before reaching Galilee. He had felt it best to leave Judea in order to avoid another confrontation with the Pharisees. His path took Him through Samaria–but the trip today was to fill a divine appointment for Him and for someone else–the crushed, miserable, used woman who came to draw water at Jacob’s well.

The scripture simply says, “And He had to pass through Samaria.” Yes, that could be interpreted as merely a fact–if you went this way, you had to pass through Samaria. But it was more than a fact marking the route for this Traveler today. He was going to be involved in an encounter that would be recorded and read for years to come.

Did the Samaritan woman realize she would be immortalized this day? Did the disciples who scolded him for talking to this “half-breed woman” know that He was fulfilling a divine plan? No, the other people were not aware that this was such an important side-trip. But Jesus knew. His script had been written in ages past and He would play His part well.

Do you suppose–just suppose–that there are times when you and I “have to go through Samaria”? And that when we do, we are carrying out a divine plan? That our “script” was written for us before the foundation of the world? I don’t think we do, for if we believed this, our “side-trips” would be anticipated; if we believed that our trips through Samaria–unpleasant though they might be–were part of a divine plan for us today–would that change our outlook?

The visit to Samaria that day changed a woman’s life–and how many other lives because of her testimony? How many other women through the years, facing life ashamed and rejected, guilty and forlorn, have found hope because Jesus “had to pass through Samaria” that day? (John 4:1-42)

Lord, I think I’m willing to pass through my Samaria. The thing I must grasp and clutch to my heart is that You are leading me, right? That this is Your plan. That You love me and will care for me. You promise me in Your Word that You will take everything in my life–everything–and make good come from it as I allow You to live through me as Your child. And dear Lord, You will be with me, holding my hand all the way. Thank You, precious Savior.1

1Isaiah 30:21, Isaiah 55: 8-9, Romans 8:28-30, Isaiah 41:10,13, Deut. 31:6,8