When Strength Fails

20 Jan When Strength Fails

Read Judges 16:1-22
Thought for the Day: What happens when we mess up?

Of all the Old Testament characters, none was stronger than Samson. He was born during a complicated time in Israel’s history. His life was equally complicated. He served as one of the final judges before the reign of Israel’s first king (Saul). This was a time when the Israelites did what was right in their own eyes. They were also in seemingly endless conflict with the Philistines, Samson led his people for twenty years. He also had an incredible advantage over his enemies. God gave him unbelievable physical strength. However, instead of being content, Samson gave into temptation. Rather than humbly serving God, he experienced a moment when both his physical and mental strength failed.

However, Samson still appears in Hebrews 11. This is the passage we call the “Faith Hall of Fame”. Samson could have been forever defined by his failure (the moment his physical strength failed). Instead, he repented and turned back to God. Had he not repented, his legacy would have been defined by giving into temptation and betraying his people. Instead, he learned it is at the moments when our strength fails that we have the greatest opportunity to see our need for God. After all, our failures may be the result of making a wrong choice as Samson did. However, human failure is always a reminder that we can’t do it alone!

It is important to be honest about our shortcomings. Still, Samson’s story reminds us that God isn’t looking for perfect people. Our failures don’t disqualify us from the Christian life. In fact, our shortcomings always offer us an opportunity to turn back to God.

Let’s try to remember when we mess up to put into practice the words of the Apostle Paul: “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong!” God never defines us by our failures. However, God always wants us to turn to Him and rely on His strength to pull us through!

In Christ,
Pastors Stan and David