Depending on God for Help

Life is fragile, and it only takes an accident or a disease to intensify that reality. Yet human beings are capable of managing immense hardships while simultaneously struggling with physical or emotional complications. Still our resilience, flexibility and strength are limited, highlighting our dependency on God for help.

Samson pleaded with God to give him one final opportunity to display his strength, which would officially end his life rather than continue to live in humiliation as a blind slave. He may have believed this demonstration of power would bring Israel closer to freedom while concurrently permitting him to die with integrity.

As a blind slave Samson exercised the only option which he believed he had at that moment. He activated what faith he had in the Lord by asking for strength to carry out one final act against Israel’s enemy. God's ways are not our ways since he has a complete, perfect picture of the future. For that, I am thankful. 

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Listen, Lord, to my prayer; hear my cries for help. I call to you in times of trouble, because you answer my prayers.

~Psalm 86:6-7 Good News Bible

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Vindication vs. Condemnation

To be condemned is to be judged guilty and undeserving of normal freedoms and privileges. A college professor noted that self-condemnation and self-judgment are among the harshest sentences we impose on ourselves. Robert Burton follows with, it’s our "conscience that makes us reflect upon, accuse and condemn ourselves."

Regardless of how appalling sin is, within most people resides a yearning to be vindicated and absolved of guilt. As Samson was paraded before his enemy to celebrate his capture, he immediately sensed how to vindicate himself from the humiliation of slavery while simultaneously exonerating himself for failing his people.

Listen to Samson’s final appeal: "O Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please strengthen me and let me with one final blow get revenge on my enemies." Have you noticed that, while asking God to meet your need, he may do so while achieving a greater objective? God hears our prayers of desperation and responds in ways that are best for us and others.  

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I said, “I have worked, but how hopeless it is! I have used up my strength but have accomplished nothing.” Yet I can trust the Lord to defend my cause; he will reward me for what I do.

~Isaiah 49:4 Good News Bible

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