Written by: John Sernaque
Dear Reader,
It was going to be my 4th birthday in a few days. My father asked me if there was anything special that I would like as my gift. I had seen a small matchbox car in the store and said that was what I wanted. A few days later when my birthday came, I anticipated that I was going to receive the car I had asked for, which is small enough to hold in one’s hand. Instead, I was surprised and amazed to see a fire engine truck that I could sit in and drive. It had foot pedals, like a bicycle, and was of course a fire engine red. It was not what I had asked for, it was so much more. My father had exceeded my expectations by miles and over delivered on my request. My wife and I try to do the same for our children, as we always want to give them the best we can. It is what our Father in heaven does for us. We do not always know what is best for us, but God does. We may ask for something that is not in God’s plan for us. We may ask for something small, but God blesses us with much more than we can ever imagine. When we come to God in prayer, we should ask for great things as God wishes to bless us with His greatness. We have to be obedient, patient, and faithful in our petitions.
But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man [is] unstable in all his ways. James 1:4-8
You need not go to the ends of the earth for wisdom, for God is near. It is not the capabilities you now possess or ever will have that will give you success. It is that which the Lord can do for you. We need to have far less confidence in what man can do and far more confidence in what God can do for every believing soul. He longs to have you reach after Him by faith. He longs to have you expect great things from Him. He longs to give you understanding in temporal as well as in spiritual matters. He can sharpen the intellect. He can give tact and skill. Put your talents into the work, ask God for wisdom, and it will be given you. {COL 146.4}
Over the years, my wife and I were impressed that the greatest gift we could give to our children was the Word of God, that they may have a living, abiding savior. That He is the source of power in all things, temporal and spiritual, of which no earthly man can give. In Him we should put all our trust by faith. In so doing, we can claim His promise that we shall receive His gift of everlasting life.
Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. John: 4:10
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. John: 4:14
A Channel—You must seek to have an indwelling Saviour, who will be to you as a well of water, springing up into everlasting life. The water of life flowing from the heart always waters the hearts of others (Manuscript 69, 1912). {5BC 1134.2 }
A Revelation of Grace—The water that Christ referred to was the revelation of His grace in His Word. His Spirit, His teaching, is as a satisfying fountain to every soul.... In Christ is fullness of joy forevermore.... Christ’s gracious presence in His Word is ever speaking to the soul, representing Him as the well of living water to refresh the thirsting. It is our privilege to have a living, abiding Saviour. He is the source of spiritual power implanted within us, and His influence will flow forth in words and actions, refreshing all within the sphere of our influence, begetting in them desires and aspirations for strength and purity, for holiness and peace, and for that joy which brings with it no sorrow. This is the result of an indwelling Saviour (Letter 73, 1897). {5BC 1134.3 }
We are not to keep and horde this gift to ourselves. It is for us to share with the whole world. Our job is to be true disciples, missionaries. To encourage all to drink of the water of life. Our children, families, neighbors, co- workers. People of all ages, races, no matter where they are in their lives. Just like the Samaritan woman at the well.
The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,
Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. John 4:28-30
This woman represents the working of a practical faith in Christ. Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life. {DA 195.2}
If you come to Jesus in faith, He will supply you with an unending supply of water. His fountain does not run dry. If any of you thirst, He asks that you come to Him. He will be your source of strength and you in turn will be an example unto others. Drink of the living water that you may receive strength and grace for all your needs, lacking nothing. Ask for the gift of God that He shall give you a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
The cisterns will be emptied, the pools become dry; but our Redeemer is an inexhaustible fountain. We may drink, and drink again, and ever find a fresh supply. He in whom Christ dwells has within himself the fountain of blessing,—“a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” From this source he may draw strength and grace sufficient for all his needs. {DA 187.3}
