janine petry

“I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink… whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:35, 40).

 Sometimes they might be easy to overlook–people making sacrifices, and their deeds as well. But I love the thought that even the smallest cup of water fetched for someone in need is an offering presented to Christ which will not go unnoticed. Here are a couple of my mighty and their exploits…

My mother. Gotta start with moms. Now that I’ve joined the noble ranks of women who herd little people, I can’t help but look back and see her for the heroine she always was. Each night, I [literally] fetch little cups of water for children who absolutely need them because they’re sooo thirsty–which is always followed by fetching little children for quality time in the bathroom. One week of this could drive even the most patient person insane. Moms are mighty indeed. For your steadfast cup-of-water-offerings, thanks, Mom.

There’s another warrior who’s answered many of my desperate calls for help–with generosity and joy. For [one] example, when I threw my back out–and by ”threw” I mean seriously injured to the point of complete immobility–this warrior ran to my rescue and fetched everything and anything I needed, even before I could ask. Whether meds, equipment, car rides, arranging dr appointments, childcare, childcare, and more childcare—nothing was too much. The blessings that she bestowed on me were more than timely, they were timeless. They left a mark that has changed who I’d like to be: I’d like to be mighty like that…like a servant who gives cheerfully and generously at the right time–at the moment of need, not at the moment of convenience. For the overflowing cup-of-water-offerings, thanks, friend.

Offering the “cup of water” is crucial! And these are just a couple of examples; I assure you, I can go on and on and on. But I won’t. I’d rather hear from you. So it’s your turn. Who are your Mighty? Who’s offered the “cup of water” when you needed it most? How did they do it, and how has it made a difference in your life?

David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. . . . Such were the exploits of the three mighty men” (2 Samuel 23:15–17). 

Have you ever been in a place like David’s? Ever been separated from something you desperately need? Something that sustains life, brings refreshment, offers strength? Have you ever called out, “Oh! If only someone could help me”?

I know I have. And I’ll admit: it’s happened more than once. I’ve been in lonely places, desperate places, dark & dry places. I’ve been in David’s sandals—unable to reach what I urgently needed. And I’ve called out to God and to those nearby.

What I’ve received in return is far more than refreshment; I’ve come face to face with the Mighty. They might not weild javelins and shields that you can see, but they’ve powerfully broken through enemy lines just the same. At crucial times, they’ve fought, and prayed, listened, talked, and sacrificed much of thier lives…for me. They’ve brought the Water of God’s Word and poured it out in love at times when it was far from my reach.

I hope your times of darkness and dryness are few. But I pray that when you find yourself thirsty and crying out, you’ll discover you’re not alone. May you meet the Mighty, and may they remind you that God will allow no obstacle to remain between you and the Water you need.

. . .

So, who are the Mighty in your life? And how did you discover them? I’d love to hear your story.

I’m back! You’re back! We’re back!

It’s been a while since the site’s been up and running, and I appreciate everyone’s patience. And thanks for checking in on me. I’ve really missed connecting, sharing, and growing together. It’s good to be here again. I hope you enjoyed my humorous, bovine ”undercon”[struction] notice. I did.

When I see that burst of freshness across the screen, I just want to reach out and touch it–or run to the nearest water source and make a connection with it–whether that means I drink or jump in. And I love sense of urgency it inspires in me–the gotta-have-it-now need for water. It’s that sense of urgency I want us to be neck-deep in every minute of every day. 

Why? Because without water, we die. Yes, physically. But in a far more life-threatening way: spiritually. Our souls are desperately thirsty, whether we realize it or not. The thirst lingers below the surface of our external lives and conscious thoughts, welling up and out and propelling us in different directions to find a source that will truly satisfy.

If you know the depth of what I mean, then you’ll also know the depth of what our Savior’s invitation to come to the waters means. Friends, it’s the most sought-after invitation of all times: the call to come to the Source to receive the Water which will fill the gaping caverns of our ever-swallowing souls.  

So here’s the Good News: Unleashed onto the pages of His Word, soaking every passage and every passenger it carries, the Living Water waits to be tasted and touched and poured into our hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit. Let these words just whet your appetite:

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters… Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare” (Isaiah 55:1-2).

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water…Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:10,13-14).

Don’t wait another minute. Run to that Source, dive into that Word. There, your soul will delight. I’ll be right there with you.

Now, about the design. How do you like that header? Really, I’m asking. What does it make you think about? Or what comes to your mind? You can be honest, you won’t offend me…