2008-08-04 - Samson: It's Love Or Is It?

Through faith Samson's weakness turned to strength. (Judges 13-16, Hebrews 11:32-34)

Samson's physical strength was unbeatable but he was easily swayed in the romantic department. Samson sought revenge on the Philistines for keeping him from seeing his wife and destroyed their property. The Philistines retaliated and killed Samson's wife and father-in-law. Samson in turn, killed thousands of Philistines. In order to capture Samson, the leaders paid Delilah, Samson's new love interest to find out what was behind his superior strength. After constant nagging, Samson finally told Delilah the real reason behind his power, his hair. God wouldn't leave Samson as long as his hair was not cut. Delilah enticed Samson to sleep and then cut off his hair. The Philistines took advantage of the situation and captured, injured, and humiliated Samson.

Samson didn't hesitate going to God for help. God didn't hold Samson's faulty decisions against him. The Lord met Samson where he was. Samson did not go scott free; he paid for his mistakes by losing his power only to gain it back by killing the Philistines and himself in the process. Even though this man had imperfections, the writer of Hebrews wanted Samson to be remembered and used as a guide for our own lives and behavior. Samson faced trials just as we all do, and yet he chose to depend on God to deliver him. (Judges 16:28) You may be at a place where you want to give up. Nothing seems to be coming together and you doubt you are on the right track. It may be difficult, but we must put our fears to rest and not to turn back, but trust and follow the Lord. We can find comfort in the Lord Jesus' words. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." (1 John 14:1 NIV)

God, I know that You are real. I want to make a clean slate and trust You with my life. I confess that I haven't always lived like I should. There was a time I wanted revenge for the wrong done to me. Please forgive me and help me live a better life. Thanks to You, I can live in a world of peace and forgiveness. I am so thankful You don't keep a list of all my wrong choices. I'm sure I remember them more than You. Thank You, God. I know an amazing life awaits me with You behind the wheel. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

What would you do if you had strength like Samson's ?

Lisa

lisa@cfdevotionals.org

http://www.cfdevotionals.org
http://postapraise.com