Introduction: The Fathomless Well of Human Nature
Key Scripture: John 4:11 Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is too deep
There is a profound physical and spiritual truth in this statement from the Samaritan woman. She acknowledges the well, that she speaks of, is deep. However, the depths of human nature, our struggles, fears, and longings, are deeper still. In Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest we are going to explore the reality of The Almighty God as it relates to our spiritual well-being and nature. Chambers challenges us to consider: Do we truly believe that no depth within us is too deep for Jesus to reach? Or do we merely place limits on God's power, assuming that our circumstances are beyond His intervention?
Maybe you have convinced yourself with the same sentiment as that of the Samaritan woman at the well - Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is too deep. Or the enemy has convinced you of this lie for so long that you continue to live in a state of hopelessness and despair. Feeling defeated and spiritually bankrupt.
The reality of truth - there is no depth to deep for the love of our Savior to bring us out of a state of hopelessness, despair, and restore us back onto a path of hope, meaning, and purpose.
Consider the book and the film adaptation of What Dreams May Come. A story line that explores the rich themes of love, redemption, and the afterlife. Chris Nielsen, who dies in an accident and finds himself in a beautifully crafted Heaven, discovers his beloved wife, Anna, had taken her own life. Doing so, she is trapped in a self-created hell of despair and hopelessness. His love for her catapults him to embark on a perilous journey through the depths of the afterlife. Despite warning that no one has ever returned from such a place unchanged - his desire to rescue her, due to his unwavering love for her - motivates him to face the challenges. He descends into the darkness of her own personal suffering, willing to sacrifice his own peace to bring her back.
This parallels the unfathomable love of God and the redeeming mission of Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us that Jesus left the glory of the Father, and Heaven itself, to step into the broken, sin-filled world. To seek after and save the lost (Luke 9:10). His mission was to descend into the depths of human suffering and depravity. To descend into the brokenness caused by sin and transgression - bearing the full weight of sin and ultimately overcome death itself.
"But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying,
“I WILL PROCLAIM YOUR NAME TO MY BRETHREN,
IN THE MIDST OF THE CONGREGATION I WILL SING YOUR PRAISE.”1And again,
“I WILL PUT MY TRUST IN HIM.”
And again,
“BEHOLD, I AND THE CHILDREN WHOM GOD HAS GIVEN ME.”Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted." (Hebrews 2:9-18, NASB1995).
Let's look at how this parallel's Christ's sacrificial love:
The Journey into Darkness - Just as Chris willingly descends into Hell to find his beloved Annie, Jesus took on human flesh, stepping into the darkness of a fallen world. He not only faced human suffering but endured the full measure of sin, pain, and death on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). Even when Annie could not recognize Chris in her own despair, he did not abandon her. Likewise, Christ pursues us even when we are blind to His presence, trapped in our own suffering and sin.
Love that Defies Hopelessness - In What Dreams May Come, Annie is in a place where she believes she is beyond salvation, her mind clouded by despair and self-condemnation. This mirrors how many people feel lost in their own brokenness, believing they are too far gone for God's grace. They are convincing themselves - Sir, ... the well is too deep". The reality and truth is this: Just as Chris refuses to accept this and stays with her - Christ does not leave us in our despair. He seeks us out first, offering redemption even when we feel unworthy (Romans 8:38-39).
The Willingness to Sacrifice - Chris is told that by staying in Hell with Annie could cause him to be lost there forever, but he is willing to take that very risk. This reflects the depth of Christ's sacrifice - though sinless, He took upon Himself the weight of our transgressions and willingly suffered separation from the Father so that we could be redeemed (Matthew 27:46, Isaiah 53:4-5).
The Power of Redemption - Chris's love ultimately breaks through Annie's despair, awakening her from the prison of her own mind, and they are restored. Similarly, Christ's love is the force that breaks the chains of sin and death. No one is too lost, no pit is too deep, for the love and grace of Jesus Christ to reach (Psalm 139:7-8).
Through the story of What Dreams May Come we see a moving, albeit fictional, reflection of the lengths Christ goes to in order to rescue those trapped in suffering. It emphasizes that no matter how lost someone may feel, love - whether human or divine - has the power to redeem and restore. Jesus not only descended into our suffering, but He also overcame suffering so that we might have eternal life with Him.
This profound truth offers hope to those struggling with addiction, grief, or despair. Just as Chris did not give up on his beloved Annie, Christ does not give up on us. Even when we are at our lowest and deepest point of suffering - when we are brought low, even unto death - Christ reaches into those darkest moments with love and compassion. A reminder to us that His love knows no depths it will go to bring us unto salvation and eternal life. Restoring us to a place of experience peace and joy through Him.
Segment 1: The Limits We Place on God
"The Well is Deep O' Lord"
Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at Jacobs well (John 4) and offers her "living water" (John 4:10). Her skepticism is revealed in her statement: Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep" (John 4:11). This verse echoes a spiritual truth and reality: We often perceive our problems as being too deep for God to resolve. Yet scripture affirms that our suffering, hopelessness, despair, and destitution is not too deep for God to resolve.
Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways."
Jeremiah 32:27 - "Behold I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?"
Take a moment and reflect on this:
Have you ever felt like your struggles were beyond God's reach?
In what areas of your life do you tend to limit God?
We often believe in God's divine and providential love. however, struggle to personally trust in His omnipotence when faced with challenges. By doing so, we impoverish our own faith.
Segment 2. Jesus Doesn't Draw from Our Nature - He Brings Down from Above
Chambers makes a simple and profound statement of truth: Jesus doesn't bring anything up from the wells of human nature. he brings it down from God above. Rather than relying on our own resources and strength, Jesus offers each of us something entirely different: His divine provision.
Philippians 4:19 - "And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
James 1:7 - "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights."
Consider the following reflective questions - and maybe provide a response in the comment section:
Are you striving to fix your problems through human effort rather than trusting in divine provision?
What would it look like to fully rely on God's resources instead of your own?
God's divine and providential sovereign power is not dependent on our capabilities or shortcomings. He provides supernatural peace, strength, and wisdom when we willingly commit ourselves toward surrendering and leaning into His divine will and purpose for us.
Segment 3: The Danger of Spiritual Complacency
There is a warning that Chambers illustrates. It is a warning against the satisfaction that comes from saying "It can't be done." This mindset to spiritual complacency and limits our faith.
Mark 9:23 - "All things are possible for one who believes."
Ephesians 3:20 - "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us."
As we meditate on today's devotionals - consider responding to the following reflective questions:
Have you ever settled for less because you doubted what God may possibly be doing in your life?
What is one step of faith you are able to take today to demonstrate trust in God's almightiness?
When we doubt, we are of a double mind (James 1:8) and are therefore unstable in our faith and relationship with God. When we doubt, we are reducing God to human limitations rather than trusting in His infinite power. True discipleship - living a mindful crucified life through Jesus Christ - requires complete surrender, not just intellectual ascent and rationalization of belief in God.
Segment 4: Fully Believing in an Almighty God
Chambers gives us the following challenge: The reason some of us are such poor specimens of discipleship is that we don't believe in an Almighty God. Believing in an Almighty God means we are fully trusting in Him with the impossible. Christ even said to his disciples - regarding the nature of salvation and eternal life where it is impossible with man, however with God it is possible (cf. Matthew 19:16-20:23).
Genesis 18:14 - "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"
Luke 1:37 - "For nothing will be impossible with God."
We often find ourselves intellectualizing our faith—constructing theological frameworks, debating doctrines, and analyzing who we think Christ is based on our own reasoning. While understanding God intellectually has its place, it can sometimes become a substitute for true, experiential faith. The danger lies in reducing Christ to a concept rather than encountering Him as a living Savior. When we rely solely on our intellect, we risk creating a version of God that fits our comfort zone rather than surrendering to the reality of who He truly is.
However, faith is not merely an academic pursuit; it is tested and refined in the crucible of suffering and trials. It is in these moments of deep pain, loss, addiction, and despair that we come face to face with the raw reality of our need for Christ—not as an abstract theological idea, but as our only true source of life, redemption, and hope. Suffering strips away the illusions we build about God and forces us into a place of dependence, where faith is no longer just a belief but a desperate trust in Him.
This goes beyond the principle that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:14). Faith is not only validated by action; it is purified through experience. It is one thing to say, I believe Christ is my Redeemer, but another to walk through the valley of suffering and declare, I have seen the Lord in my pain, and He is faithful. Trials force us to move from theoretical belief to a personal, transformative encounter with Jesus. It is in the furnace of affliction that we come to know Christ—not just as the One we read about, but as the One who sustains us when everything else falls apart.
What, then, are the practical steps we are able to take?
Pray with expectation and not as a beggar - Approach God with faith that He will move (Mark 11:24).
Remember Past Faithfulness - Recall times when God has worked in your life - when your faith was put through the refiner's fire (Psalm 77:11).
Surround Yourself with Faith-Builders - Engage with believers who encourage trust in God's power (Hebrews 10:24-25).
The refining fire of trials does what intellectual reasoning alone cannot: it reveals Christ to us in a way that changes us from the inside out. It is there, in the depths of suffering, that we stop simply knowing about Him and start knowing Him in the fullness of His grace, mercy, and power.
Segment 5: Closing Remarks and Call to Action - Responding to God's Almightiness
Today's devotional from My Utmost from His Highest challenges each of us to deepen our faith and abandon self-imposed limitations. God is not bound by our circumstances, weaknesses, or doubts. He calls us to believe beyond what we see and trust beyond what we understand.
Here are some insights and takeaways from today's message and discussion.
No problem is too deep for God to solve
Jesus brings solutions from above, not from within our flawed human nature
Doubting God's power limits our faith and hinders genuine discipleship and stifles spiritual growth
Believing in God's almightiness means trusting Him beyond our perceived limitations
And what is the call to action for us? To step out - not be filled with fear. To be courageous with bold faith and walk through the refiner's fire. Until our faith is put to test - we are not going to grow - nor are we going to be strengthened through Christ.
Call to Action
If this message resonates with you. If you are finding yourself like the Samaritan Woman who said, Sir, you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep, then take a moment and show your support in the following ways:
Like this video and message by giving it a thumbs up.
Subscribe and click the notification bell to be notified of new content that will be published to this channel.
Comment below and share your own thoughts, personal insights, and experiences. Maybe respond to one of the reflective questions or share how your faith was put through a refining fire that helped you grow in your discipleship and faith. Remember to be mindful and respectful.
Consider making a one-time or become a monthly supporter of Sacred Sobriety: A Path for the Soul via the PayPal link in the description. Whether it is $1.00, $5.00, $100.00 - your donation will go to help support my efforts in creating free faith-based and recovery-oriented content for all people struggling with faith-crisis, doubt, and overcoming the challenges of addiction and recovery. 10% of all donations receive also go to help local ministries that work with the local homeless population.
Finally, let us all walk in faith, knowing that our God is truly Almighty!
No comments:
Post a Comment