Fence Post Devotionals

Divine Appointment

When Jesus hits the trail, it’s never by accident — He’s always got somebody on His heart, and it just might be you.

“Jesus figured it was gettin’ ‘bout time to move on to Galilee. So He cleared on out of Judea for the time bein’. He was of a mind to follow the trail through Samaria, so they lit out.”
— John 4:3–4 (“The Gospel of John Cowboy Style”)

When Jesus and His disciples left Judea on their way to Galilee, John included this interesting note about His travel plans: “He was of a mind to follow the trail through Samaria.”

The King James puts it this way: “He must needs go through Samaria.”

Now, that’s a curious statement. There were other routes He could’ve taken—most Jews in those days avoided Samaria altogether. The Samaritans and Jews didn’t mix much, and good religious folks were known to take the long way ‘round just to stay clear.

But not Jesus.

He said, “I must needs go through Samaria.”

Why?

Because there was a divine appointment waiting for Him there.

At an ancient well outside the town of Sychar, a weary, thirsty woman would come to draw water—and she had no idea Heaven had marked that moment on her calendar long before she was born. Jesus had to go through Samaria because that woman mattered to God. Her story, her sin, her thirst—all of it mattered. And that day, she met the Savior who offered her “living water” that would quench her soul forever.

Friend, did you know that Jesus also has a divine appointment with you?

Just like the woman at the well, you may not know when or where—but He does. Long before you ever thought about Him, He was already thinking about you. He’s been walking your way, seeking you out, ready to offer you the same living water—eternal life that satisfies every longing of the heart.

The woman of Samaria was found at a well.
I was found in my own backyard.
And maybe you’ll be found right where you are—reading these very words.

Because Jesus always keeps His appointments.

I’m reminded of an old story about a man named Yam Sing. When he came forward to join a Bible-believing church, the pastor asked him, “How did you find Jesus?”

With a humble grin, he replied in broken English, “I no find Jesus at all. He find me.”

And that, dear friend, is the truth of it. He’s still finding folks every day.

Jesus never misses an appointment, and when He finds you, He doesn’t just change your day—He changes your eternity.

Reflection Question:

Have you recognized the moment when Jesus came looking for you?

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for the way You seek us out, even when we’re wanderin’ far from the trail. Thank You for knowing our hearts, our hurts, and our thirst. Just like the woman at the well, we need that living water that only You can give.

Help us to recognize the moments when You draw near, and give us the faith to open our hearts to You completely. May Your Spirit fill us, refresh us, and lead us day by day until we see You face to face.

In Your precious name we pray,
Amen.