The Daily Word

The tragic story of Samson is so well known, that his name has become a byword for physical strength, yet it only occupies a few pages in the Bible. His physical strength was equally matched by a fatal weakness in his character which led to his downfall and ultimately his death. The name of Delilah is also well known and will forever be associated with betrayal.

Whilst some of Samson’s exploits may be known more widely, the circumstances of his untimely death are perhaps less well known. He actually died wreaking revenge on his enemies at a huge celebration party they were holding, and these enemies were at the time making fun of the man they had blinded and put in prison. They believed that his incredible strength had totally deserted him. But God had not totally deserted him, and he prayed a prayer before God gave him the strength to pull down two supporting pillars which literally brought the house down and killed him and a thousand of his enemies. That prayer is one we can likewise pray in times of great adversity, and it goes like this, “O Lord God, remember me, I pray you, and strengthen me” .

By the time Samson achieved this great feat, he must have repented many times of his foolishness and lack of respect for what God had given him. That same attitude of repentance must be ours also before God will answer our prayers. In Samson’s need God responded and if our hearts are right before God, He will also respond to our need.

Article written by Brian Preston, Elder @SFGH Church