Weak Moments

Judges 16:19-21

“After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him. 20 Then she called, ‘Samson, the Philistines are upon you!’

He awoke from his sleep and thought, ‘I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.’ But he did not know that the LORD had left him.

21 Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison.”

The story of Sampson in Judges 13-16 offers a number of great illustrations for us, and today’s passage is no exception. Samson had the anointing of the Holy Spirit on his life, and supernatural strength. But he let the temptations of the world, and his pride, destroy him.

It would seem Samson had everything going his way in spite of several poor decisions along the way. But he knew where his strength came from, walked in repentance, and didn’t let the world hold him down. That all changed when he met Delilah, the prostitute.

Those of us who have been saved in prison, and sought the Lord diligently while incarcerated, realize the enemy is waiting outside upon release. The devil knows what temptations we use to fall for, and it isn’t long before he starts tempting us.

Three things often lead back to prison: sexual involvement outside of marriage, mind-altering substances, and pride. All of these took Samson to prison, and soon death. Be sure this does not happen to you.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Ask the Father to reveal His overwhelming love to you more every day. Ask the Holy Spirit, in response to God’s love, to strengthen you daily to walk in obedience.

Dive Deeper: Study Judges 13:1 – 16:31.