When We Call on God

"However, the hair of his head began to grow again after it was shaved off... Then Samson called to the Lord and said, 'O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time, O God, that I may at once be avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.' Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and braced himself against them, the one with his right hand and the other with his left. And Samson said, 'Let me die with the Philistines!' And he bent with all his might so that the house fell on the lords and all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he killed in his life." -Judges 16.22, 28-30

Samson has made his share of mistakes. He has broken his Nazirite vow on multiple occasions, slept with a prostitute, and given away the secret of his strength because a woman annoyed him enough for it. He has been captured by his enemies, been blinded by them, and put to hard labor in their prison. Now the Philistines seek to further humiliate him by having him come and entertain them as they celebrate his capture in the temple of Dagon.

Samson was born to a barren mother in order to save Israel from the Philistines. All throughout his life he has been doing that, even killing 1,000 of them at one time. His mistakes have not changed the reason of his birth and here, as he calls on God again, he is used to fulfill the purpose of his birth. God strengthens Samson one last time, and Samson destroys the pagan temple as well as the 3,000 people that are inside. He kills more with his death than he did in life.

God did not forget about Samson. When Samson lived in a way that puled him away from God, the Spirit of God was not on him to empower him to deliver Israel; but when Samson called on God, seeking to fulfill his purpose, God was with him.

Men, we have all been born for a purpose. God did not make us accidentally, you are not a mistake. But the way you choose to live will determine if you are able to fulfill your purpose. God will not force you to follow His plan, and if you choose to live contrary to His will He will let you, but His presence will not be with you. But if you call on Him, turning back to Him, then God will empower you to fulfill your purpose.

Let us be men who call on God, and not as a last resort. Let us be men who live passionately for Him.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor