Oh God of Second Chances, Here I Come Again

The story of Samson and Delilah is a familiar one.  Samson rules with the power of God, but is tricked by Delilah to tell the source of his strength so that his enemies can capture him. 

However, one really can't say Delilah tricked him, but instead we should say that Samson acted the fool.  The first time Delilah pried information out of Samson and handed him over to the Philistines, one could say she tricked him.  But the 2nd, 3rd and 4th time she repeated the same deceiptful ploy one can only look at Samson and consider him to be foolish.  Sure, he was wise enough to not tell her the truth the first 3 times, but even that proves his foolishness for not sending her away after first seeing her deceptive ways. 

It seemed Samson was blind to his foolishness.  Blinded by fleshly desires and blinded by personal pride.

His foolishness ultimately led to his humiliation and loss of his God given abilities. 

Stripped of his God given gifts, he was left with only that which he could do on his own.  In this state, Samson was fully aware of who he was without God. 

What lengths will God go to show us who He is in us and who we are without Him?

But the story does not end there.  In fact, inspite of all of this, Samson is listed as one of the faithful in Hebrews 11:32, along with great men of faith like Moses and Abraham.  Why? 

Our answer is in Judges 16:28
28 And Samson cried out to God:
Master, God!
Oh, please, look on me again,
Oh, please, give strength yet once more.
God!
With one avenging blow let me be avenged
On the Philistines for my two eyes!

Samson had faith that God would prevail.  Through his humbling, Samson's faith grew.  Instead of blaming God or holding a personal pity party for what had happened to him, Samson turned to God.  We are not told how Samson spent his time in captivity, but his actions in this verse gives us a clue that he spent it in self reflection and repentance. 

And so in this moment his faith in God resulted in the victory over the Philistines. 

It's never to late to turn to God!

When we stumble in our walk, the enemy wants us to give up.  But God wants us to return to Him.  It's never too late for us to use the gifts He has given to us for His glory. 

Prayer:

Father God, I am nothing without You.  All that I am able to do to serve You is done with the skills and abilities given to me by You.  Every gift, every ability was given with the sole purpose of glorifying You.  Forgive me Lord for the many times I have sought after personal glory using Your gifts.  Seek my heart and know that I desire to serve You and only You with the gifts You have given.  Thank You Lord, for your grace and patience.  Too many times I stumble and lose sight of the wisdom You provide; acting the fool instead.  And each time I come with a repentant heart You lift me up and strengthen me once more.  Thank You Father.  I kneel at Your throne and praise Your name.  I am here because of the blood of the lamb.  It is in the name of that lamb, Jesus Christ, that I pray.  Amen.