Anyone familiar with the account of Samson’s life will see that he was physically very strong, but of weak character. That flaw brought him to a place of becoming sport for the Enemy. His weakness, a desire for women, took him outside of God’s permitted covenant. Because he chose rather in indulge in his own passions; hedonism cost him dearly — betrayal, mocking, suffering and death were the results of his choices.
“Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand. And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison-house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars.” Judges 16:23, 25 KJV.
Lust and Pride
Let’s look at his life for a moment. The scripture tells us in Judges Chapters 13-16 the account of his conception announced by the angel of the Lord, up through his death under the rubble as he pulled down the pillars of the house of the Philistines. It displays for us a man who was given over to the desires of his flesh and involved himself with 
women he had no business marrying, nor toying with. Delilah, his infamous wife, ultimately was able to discover where his strength lay. After much prodding and testing, she was given the secret to God’s power in his life. The enemy works like that; Satan is relentless in pursing people to “…steal, kill and destroy.” (John 10:10).
What about you? Have you traded God’s secrets with the world? Are the words and insights God bestowed upon you at some point in your life still precious? Or have they become common, even to be mocked at? Has the name of God become vain for you, using it other than in reverence or praise? Are you playing games with your desires? Look around, you too will find yourself ultimately used as sport for the enemy’s camp.
What Happened?
It can be hard to understand how someone who once loved God can become someone who ends up mocking Him. It all happens so incrementally, many do not realize they are 
being lured into a trap. As Samson lay on Delilah’s lap, his strength was taken from him. He put himself in a place of being worn down and finally gave up and gave away the precious gift of God he received as a child. This scenario is being repeated by many who have been entrusted with gifts by God, yet are taken captive by the snare of Satan. “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Timothy 2:26.
In the book of second Timothy, Paul, as mentor to young Timothy, gives guidance on how to instruct those who oppose themselves and end up ruining their lives. He begins Chapter 3 by telling him what the landscape will look like. 2 Timothy 3:2-5 “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
You may be frustrated with what you see happening around you. I’d like to encourage you to believe that God is just and He is faithful to speak to those going astray. Yet, He will not violate their free-will. So you must pray. You can be assured He is at work in the midst of poor choices.
Humble Yourself
Will you trust our Heavenly Father who knows all? Pray, and live your life fully for God. He will show you when there is opportunity to speak the truth in love to those headed for destruction (Ephesians 4:15). The Holy Spirit will tell you when to hold your peace and allow consequences to do the speaking. Remember our love is naturally limited, but God’s is abundant! He is at work continually, drawing people unto Himself.
Samson is a good example of a young man with great purpose and destiny; yet his choices side-tracked him. In the end God used him, but the testimony of a life well-lived for God’s glory was absent. Don’t come up short, living for yourself, rather live for God’s glory and at the end many will see and know that you chose His life over your own pleasures. And the rewards you’ll receive will be manifold on earth and in Heaven.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
Brain and mind studies interest me. We are told now that our brains can be “hacked” by computer algorithms (persuasiveness) and we need an anti-virus for our brain. As soon as I heard this, I thought: and God provided it! It’s truly wonderful that God has already precluded our problem by giving us the protection for our brain long BEFORE technology arrived. I find that amazing; yet, few people apply God’s protective measures.
so much controversy in the world over mind and brain studies is that opinion differs depending on your world view. God has told us so much about the minds He gave us and how to have a healthy one. If we adhere to the understanding which God our Creator provides, we can know His purpose and design for highly functional, pure, and fruitful minds.
Philippians 4:7 ESV “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Anti-virus Protection
Writing is a delight to me! It is a way we can express the wonders that God places within. Out of our hearts proceed all of the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our hearts… “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” One way to get to know your heart is to write!
Writing is a good way to reflect back to yourself what’s within your heart. It is a great way to allow the Holy Spirit to teach you truth about yourself and your chosen course.
Five years ago marked a turning point in my life; my symphony of dissonance was revealed. My emotional world was falling apart, I was desperate and needed help; I ended up temporarily separating from those I loved most to find it. I couldn’t see it then but it was the beginning of something good; it began my difficult journey from there to where I am today. It has involved great loss, pain, and grief of soul; I did not know it was possible for a human being to experience this, and still live. Yes, I had been through various types of suffering prior to this point; much of it physical pain in my body. But the greater pain was the inner pain of my heart, aware that something was wrong, and yet I did not understand how to make it right. Thankfully, our Good Father brought me through it by teaching me, humbling me, and showing me what to do. Now, I am making joyous music for Him.
parched places and made them into streams of living water. There is no way to fully thank God for the riches of His goodness to me; I’m grateful and desire to live harmoniously with Him. Romans 5:3-5 says, More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (ESV).
Have you been to a symphony recently? I recall a fun school outing with our four children in Lake Placid to see the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra perform. It was a “School Performance” and we met up with some fellow homeschooling friends to attend and have a picnic. I was so impressed with the skill and excellence with which they performed; united as one, in purpose and determination.
Do not lose heart. Look up to the Master Conductor, He will guide and direct you. As stated earlier, He will give you direction onto and off the highway at the right time. How you ask? By knowing the score and the script found in the Bible. When we have desired, practiced and determined to live by God’s Words we have placed ourselves in a position to look up and have His nod, His eyes looking at us, letting us know whether to go ahead or wait. What a treasure we have in being a part of His Symphony!
Nancy Demary 