Samson Defeats the Philistines

Scripture:

Judges 13 - 16


Observation:

I have heard it said that Samson lacked self-control and we see evidence of that here. He was impatient. He acted in anger. He lied by omission (when he fed his parents unclean honey, for example). And despite his flaws, God used Samson as a judge in Israel for 20 years!

Samson's reactionary nature did have grave consequences. When he told Delilah the secret to his strength, it cost Samson his strength, his freedom, and his eyesight! In Samson's brokenness, God used him for one last assault against the Philistines. When Samson humbly asked God for his strength back, God gave it to him and Samson was able to kill 3000 Philistine men and women (including all the lords of the Philistines)!


Application:

God uses whom He chooses.

Samson's greatest victory was turning back to God in his brokenness.

My role is to rely on God in all things!


Prayer:

Father, teach me how to be brought low and how to abound. Teach me, in any and every circumstance, the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Thank You that I can do all things in You, thank You for strengthening me!

(from Philippians 4:12-13 ESV)