My appreciation for water began when I had kidney stones. When my physician told me consuming more water would decrease my chances of having them again, I began to drink more water than ever before. Another reason to appreciate this natural resource is due to the outrageous prices of other beverages. As the price of other options rose, so did my appreciation of water.
THE SAD CONTRADICTION
Water really became important to me when I saw the devastating impact that the lack of clean water has on peoples’ health and lives. The statistics about water-borne illnesses and the resulting deaths are staggering, as well as the vast number of people with no access to clean water. It is a sad contradiction that our beautiful blue planet is covered in so much water, yet 700 million to 1.1 billion people do not have access to clean water. This is a terrible thing, but I am truly grateful for organizations like my son’s, His Hands Mission International, and many others who work diligently to bring clean water to those without it. May God bless their efforts and multiply their work!
A MUCH GREATER NEED
Drinking water is essential, but humanity has a much greater water need. What we need even more than clean water is the Living Water. Jesus understood the value of clean water, but He offered something far better and more important – free, Living Water that satisfies our thirst eternally. In fact, He is the Living Water, and He is available to all who will receive Him.
Like natural water, Jesus has been readily available for over 2,000 years, yet two-thirds of the world have not received Him, one-third doesn't even have access to Him, and as many as 100,000 people die each day without the water of life Jesus alone can offer. The message of the Gospel is the greatest need for every person, and God’s mercy and grace are sufficient for everyone.
WHO WILL GIVE THEM A DRINK?
Those who know the Savior and have accepted the gift of Living Water are the ones who must offer a drink to those who thirst. We drink from God's well and receive His life-giving water. We know His Truth and are partakers of His divine nature. We have experienced His mercy, forgiveness, and redemption.
The responsibility of quenching the world’s thirst is upon us. We have been entrusted with the message of the Gospel through which others can receive the gift of life we have found in Christ. We must give, we must send, and we must go so the entire world has access to the Water of Life.
Freely we have received. Freely, let us give.
by Jimmy Aycock