God Will Deliver ~ Wait for Him

When impatience becomes a dominant force in a person’s life, sound judgment usually suffers. Little time is given to thoroughly evaluate a situation, so wise decisions cannot be made. Impatience produces unfortunate consequences. Samson acted impulsively without considering the negative fallout for his choices and behavior.

 

Samson underestimated the intelligence and the potential for violence of those he believed he could manipulate. A mischievous prank  turned into disaster for him, for his future wife and her parents. He never stopped to seek the wisdom and approval of God, who would have furnished wise counsel to replace his impatience.

After Moses delivered the Hebrew people from Egypt, they complained bitterly when their journey became difficult. Their impatience provoked God's displeasure and, like Samson, they suffered for failing to have faith in God’s provision to meet their needs. Remember to pray for patience and tolerance when faced with difficult situations, for God desires to meet your needs.  

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But I will watch for the Lord; I will wait confidently for God, who will save me. My God will hear me.

~Micah 7:7 Good News Bible

Don't Be Foolish ~ Be Patient

God’s plan for Samson was the deliverance of his people from the ruling Philistines. God equipped Samson for this task, but his impatience and impulsivity would sabotage God’s objectives. This clearly illustrates that we can impede God’s purpose for us, but at the cost of tremendous regret and sorrow.

God gave Samson unusual strength that became activated when the power of the Lord was present to help him escape crises that he himself tended to create. His sharp intelligence was used to manipulate others, sometimes for fun because he was mischievous and at other times for personal and political benefits.

God expects us to be accountable for using his wonderful gifts and blessings. The Apostle Paul gives us this reminder from Romans 12:3: “By the grace of God given to me I tell you not to think you are better than you are, but measure yourself with sober judgement, according to the degree of faith God has assigned to you.” Good advice. Act on it!  

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Patience is better than pride! Don’t be quick tempered – that is being a fool!

~Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 The Living Bible

Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud.

~1 Corinthians 13:4 Good News Bible

Love is so patient and so kind. Love never boils with jealousy.

It never boasts, is never puffed with pride.

~1 Corinthians 13:4 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

Impatience and Impulsivity – Unfortunate Companions

Apparently, Samson was an only child and may have been born when his parents were older. This may explain why his parents catered to his demands to marry outside his faith. They had the right to refuse his demands, but they gave in, knowing it was wrong to do so. 

Impatience is often a companion of impulsive people. Abraham and Sarah are examples. They refused to accept God’s timing for the son he had promised would be born to them. Instead of waiting for God, Sarah gave her maidservant to Abraham so she could give birth to a son whom Sarah then would claim as her own.

Decisions made with little thought of long-range consequences often are regretted because of the consequent pain and sorrow that follow. Samson did not want God’s approval to marry the Philistine woman, just as Abraham and Sarah never actually wanted God’s approval to use their Egyptian servant as a surrogate mother. Waiting for God’s approval and timing is essential for peace of mind and long-range happiness.  

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We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our hope and our shield.

In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

~Psalm 33:20-22 New International Version