Greetings in Christ,
From where do we draw our strength? Do we find our strength in the talents God has given us, or do we find our strength in God?
Many may know the story of Samson and Delilah. Samson was a judge who governed the people of Israel. He had physical strength unmatched by anyone. He used that strength to bring devastation to the Philistines who where a thorn in the side of the Israelites by engaging in war with the Israelites frequently. Samson became so feared by the Philistines because of his ability to thwart their advancements against the Israelites they enlisted the help of Delilah to find the secret to his strength.
Delilah became successful in her endeavors pretending to love Samson. She pressed Samson to the point he revealed he was a Nazarite and his hair had never been cut. His hair was the key to his strength, for it has not been cut. Delilah cut seven locks of hair off Samson’s head, his strength faded, the presence of God left him leaving him with the strength of a normal man. The Philistines took advantage of this enslaving Samson and gouged out his eyes. He drove the grinding stone for the grain and also amusement for the Philistines.
The Philistines in their time of rejoicing did not see Samson’s hair was growing back, and Samson pleaded with God to give him the strength once again he once had. While the Philistines were celebrating and praising their god for delivering Samson to their hands in an outside arena, they brought Samson out for entertainment. Samson did so well to entertain them he brought down the house killing all people that were present by pushing against the main support columns to collapse them.
I wonder if Samson was caught up in the idea it was his own strength as he overtook the Philistines, he took it for granted when it was God who gave him his strength. It was the act of cutting off his hair he remembered where his strength really came from—God.
Paul writes to the Corinthians telling them Jesus Christ died because of weakness, “For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we shall live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.” Sin was the weakness for the death of Jesus on the cross, but the power of God countered the weakness to bring strength for mankind.
It took Samson to be weak to realize his strength came from God Himself. Paul goes on to write that in our weakness we become strong if we rely on the fact that Jesus Christ resides in us.
How do we start our day? Do we face the day with confidence we will do the right thing, or do we humble ourselves before God Almighty and ask for His strength to get us through the day?
Mark writes about the woman who had the hemorrhaging problem for many years and tried many things to be healed but had no success in the medical approach. She began to realize if she could just touch the garment of Jesus she would be healed. Her weakness made her faith strong as she touched the garment of Jesus. Jesus was aware the moment she touched His garment, and He wanted to see this person who had so much faith. She bowed before Jesus and explained her reason for touching Him and He told her faith has made her well. It was her humbleness in admitting she needed His strength that Jesus pronounced her faith and healing.
Do we go in our strength, or do we allow our weakness to be our motivator to call on the strength of God? Do we touch the garment of Jesus often enough? Are we allowing our weakness to make our faith strong?
“The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. The Lord is good to all, and His mercies are over all His works. All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord, and Your godly ones shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom and talk of Your power; to make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts and the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.” Psalm 145:8-13
May we want to draw from Your strength in everything we do. May we never take for granted our abilities and rely on Your power that can work through us. Amen
Blessings,