Meet Joy Kupp

The shame she carried was heavier than the waterpot she filled. Because of her shady past and present, she did not dare come to the well with the other more respectable women. Yet, the Samaritan woman's experience at the well on that afternoon was different. This time a Man spoke to her, offering to give her something, rather than take something from her.

"But there's a catch," she thought suspiciously. He told her to get her husband, but she did not have one. This Jewish Man already knew that she had been married five times. He also knew that although she was currently unmarried, she was living with yet another man.

She tried to divert the conversation, but He cut to the chase. He spoke truth about her and truth about Himself. For perhaps the first time, rather than carrying the heavy waterpot OR her shame, she joyfully ran back to her village, inviting everyone to come meet the Man who had told her everything she had ever done.

Most of us hide the darker parts of our past, or even present, just like this woman did when first speaking with Jesus at the well. But she learned something that day as she engaged with God Himself. She learned that secrets make you sick, but truth brings joy and freedom.

We fear exposure and often refuse to bring into light our sins, large or small. I have been this woman. I have not had five husbands, but sin has eclipsed my life. I believed that if anyone knew the truth, I would not only be whispered about, but also shunned. Rejected. Abandoned. The very thing I tried to cover held me captive. Only when it was "out there" was I free.

Like the woman at the well, my encounter with the Savior shed life-giving light. He already knew my junk. He already knows yours. Hiding nothing. Just like the woman she became, I delight in telling others how Christ has freed me.

Leave your waterpot and your shame today. Live in His light. In fact, run to it.