Samson was chosen by God before he was even born. His calling was to deliver Israel from the Philistines. God gave him supernatural strength and for a time no one could stop him. He struck down entire armies, carried city gates for miles, and tore apart a lion as if it were nothing. If anyone looked unstoppable, it was Samson.

But strength in the body does not mean strength in the soul. Samson had a weakness that no amount of muscle could cover. He allowed lust to rule his heart.

From the start, Samson was drawn to women who did not share his covenant with God. His pattern of compromise only grew stronger over time. Eventually he met Delilah. Her loyalty was not to Samson but to the Philistines who paid her in silver to uncover the secret of his strength. She pressed him day after day until he broke and told her that his strength was tied to his vow and to his hair.

Once his hair was cut, his strength left him. The strongest man in the Bible was not defeated by swords or chains. He was defeated by his own desire.

This is the sobering truth of Samson’s story. Lust makes strong people weak. It blinds us to danger. It distracts us from God’s calling. It takes the gifts God has given and leaves us empty.

Samson’s story seemed to end in shame. He was captured, his eyes were gouged out, and he was put in chains to grind grain in prison. But even then, God was not finished with him. Blinded and broken, Samson finally saw his need for God. He prayed, and God answered. His strength returned one last time, and in his final act Samson pulled down the temple of the Philistines. Even in his failure God gave him a chance to fulfill his calling.

Samson teaches us two things. First, lust is not harmless. It can destroy people who seem untouchable. Second, failure does not have to be the end. God’s mercy is greater than our weakness.

Real strength is not measured by power, success, or influence. Real strength is found in surrender. It is found in self-control that comes from walking in the Spirit. Samson could not defeat lust, but through Christ we have power to overcome. The Spirit of God within us is stronger than the desires that fight against us.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

In Jesus name, Amen

“Trust In You” by Lauren Diagle

Thanks for letting us be part of how you start your day with God.

Remember, the battle with lust is real and powerful. But God is even more real, and even more powerful.

See you tomorrow,

Zach and the Daily Devotion team