Samson’s Sweetest Downfall

With men hidden in the room, she called to him, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” But he snapped the bowstrings as easily as a piece of string snaps when it comes close to a flame. So the secret of his strength was not discovered.

-Judges 16:9

Lust was Samson’s downfall. And his affair with Delilah was his greatest debacle. Samson, a man who possessed mighty strenght and was chosen by God to deliver the Israelite people from Philistines was ruined. Though married, he visited prostitues and met Delilah. He fell inlove with her, lowered his standards, defiled customary tradition and let lust consume his life. Little did he know that she was just a temptress hired by the enemy to find out the reason for his mighty strenght. Delilah did her job well, whining and nagging until he gave in, revealing the secrets for his strength ultimately cost him his life and honor. Lessons we can learn from the life of Samson:

1. Take heed of you parent’s advice
His father and mother replied, “Isn’t there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?” But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me. She’s the right one for me.” -Judges 14:3

Listen and pay attention to your parent’s advice. Dont forsake them, they are guide to your path. God placed authorities and people in your life to lead you into making wise and best decisions in your life that you wont regret. Take heed of their words, its wisdom from their experiences and past failures and victories. Dont neglect their instructions, dont turn your deaf ear to them, but in humility and great honor consider them knowing they only desire what’s best for you.

2. Emotions can’t be trusted
Burning with anger, he returned to his father’s home. And Samson’s wife was given to one of his companions who had attended him at the feast. -Judges 14:19-20

One moment Samson was so convinced that he wants this Philistine woman to be his wife, but the next he despise her.  His feelings suddenly changed and gave her to his companion because of extreme anger. This only proved that emotions can change from one minute to the next, so you can’t fully trust them and rely on them. Theres no guarantee that what you feel right now for the person will be the same for the next days, months or years to come. Thats why it is important that you submit your emotions and thoughts to God. Dont conform to the patterns of this world. Seek to know God’s good, pleasing and perfect will.

3. Beware not to cross the enemy’s border
One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute.He went in to spend the night with her. -Judges 16:1

Dont dare cross the enemy’s border. It’s a place where you can see things that are pleasurable and tempting to the eyes. You’ll be vulnerable for attacks and you’ll put yourself in defenseless position. One thing leads to another. If you fully know yourself well, you know your weak spot and the areas you need to guard yourself on. If you cant stand it dont even come closer, dont even dare to think about it. Dont give a small chance for any works of darkness in your life.

4. Don’t Stay too close to temptation
With such nagging she [Delilah] prodded him day after day until he was sick to death of it. -Judges 16:16

If you think you’re standing firm be careful that you dont fall. Dont test your limits neither your tolerance to temptation. When you stay longer in tempting situations, the more likely you are to give in. When you stay in a position when your convictions are being challenged, you are likely to compromise. The consequences of disobedience are devastating. Dont allow anyone no matter how convincing or attractive, to entice you into doing something you know is wrong.

5. Always try to bounce back
Then Samson prayed to theLord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes. -Judges 16:28

The story of Samson was one of the saddest stories in the bible. He had a supernatural birth, a mighty strength and a great task from God. He was destined for greatness not until he showed cracks on his character and became defeated by his own weakness that caused his downfall. He didnt realized that his mighty strength doesnt from his own or from his long hair but from the presence of God in his life because of his obedience. When God left him, he lost his strength. But for the last time, he prayed to God for strength to do what he had been chosen to do. And God heard his prayer. In pushing down the pillars of the temple he killed many more when he died than while he lived.

This post is part of of my 90 Days Challenge devotion to soak myself in the word and presence of God. This is just Day 6! Thanks for reading!