She came to the well that day just like any other—avoiding people, carrying her shame, and longing for something more. But when the Samaritan woman met Jesus, everything changed. Her encounter with Him transformed her life, and it’s a transformation still available to us today.
All the people who had a true encounter with Jesus was transformed by His love, just like the Samaritan woman at the well.
Like the Samaritan woman, I too was transformed by my encounter with Jesus when I was 19 years old. Someone who knew me at the time would have described me as a person who didn’t have a lot going for herself. No education, no real skills, made shameful mistakes, and I was someone society might have overlooked or dismissed as unimportant. But then I had an encounter with Jesus and He transformed my life. He saw all those things others thought about me, met me where I was, and loved me anyway.
Not only did Jesus transform me back when I was 19, but I continued to be transformed by my daily encounter with Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit in my life.
Jesus’ transformation didn’t stop when I first met Him. It’s an ongoing process. Here are some of the ways I encounter Him daily:
• I talk to Him throughout the day in prayer.
• I spend time in His Word, which is a direct reflection of who He is. God’s Word not only teaches us about His character—His love, grace, and faithfulness—but it also transforms us. As I read scripture, I see how His truth shapes my heart and renews my mind, helping me to live in alignment with His will.
• I allow the Holy Spirit to renew my mind through scripture.
These practices help me embrace the renewing of my mind as reminded in Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Not conforming to the world means rejecting false measures of identity—success, appearance, or possessions. It’s about standing firm in faith, living with integrity, and embracing who God says we are.
Choosing not to conform means stepping away from the world’s version of success or happiness and instead aligning with God’s truth. For me, when I’m tempted to compare myself to others, I remind myself of Romans 12:2 and ask the Holy Spirit to renew my thoughts. Instead of striving to measure up, I choose to rest in God’s assurance that I am enough in Him. Transformation impacts my daily life by reminding me that my worth is secure in Him, freeing me to live with joy and purpose, no matter what challenges come my way.
Just like the Samaritan woman, we all have areas in our lives where we need Jesus’ transforming power. Take time today to reflect: What burdens are you carrying to the well? Write them down, pray over them, and surrender them to Jesus, just as she did. Invite the Holy Spirit to renew your mind through His Word, and trust Him to transform your heart in ways you never imagined.