As we step ahead today, we are totally focused on the purpose of this journey by being organized, documenting our thoughts, and affirming our faith each day. Reading today in Judges 16, the people of Gaza wanted to kill Samson but he escaped by pulling up the posts to the city gate and escaping during the middle of the night.

Sometime later, Samson fell in love with Delilah. This set the stage for Delilah enticing Samson to reveal the source of his great strength. After several attempts, Delilah finally found out that it was Samson’s dedication to God as a Nazirite and if his head was shaved, his strength would leave him (v. 17).

The Philistines had been defeated by Samson many times so they paid Delilah for her information on the source of his great strength. After Delilah shaved his head, Samson lost his strength and was subdued by the Philistines. They gouged out his eyes and took him captive.

While in prison, Samson’s hair began to grow again. On one occasion, the rulers of the Philistines all assembled at their temple to worship their god. They had Samson perform for them and Samson used this occasion to fulfill his mission in life. He prayed that God would use his strength for a great purpose as he pushed down the two pillars that supported the temple. Down came the temple and this one event killed more Philistines than Samson had killed in all previous occasions.

In today’s passage, we get another example of a pattern we’ve seen before in which the people would follow God for a while but then forget who had given them success. As the people reverted back to their old habits and turned away from the Lord, enemies would overtake them. To get the people back on track, God provide another judge or person to lead them.

I have some good news for you my friend! We have a permanent judge in Jesus Christ who has delivered us. Here is a link to God’s Plan for Us that leads to eternal victory. The take away from today’s lesson my friends is to pray each day for the understanding of God’s purpose in our life. To Ask for patience and discipline as we set out to achieve that purpose. Then to listen for directions as God leads us on.

This day with You Lord, lead us on. Your purpose for us is a big one and many times we do not feel ready or capable. But since we’ve said “yes” to Jesus, we are never alone and have a power greater than Samson’s great strength. With the power of the Holy Spirit, we will fulfill Your purposes here on earth and beyond. Amen.