Making Your Life Count

Making your life count for something is an objective most people pursue in life. It's comparable to pursuing a dream as if it were from the very heart of God. From early high school my niece decided to be a pharmacist. She followed that dream by taking chemistry and higher math courses to gain acceptance into a college degree program.

Her passion for reaching her career objective helped her stay focused when she encountered hardships and discouragements. Staying on track by following the natural progression of her college degree program provided hope for reaching her objective.

Samson seemed to be unaware of God’s purpose for him, so he followed what his passions dictated. That God has a plan for you is confirmed in Psalm 40:5. "Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you plan for us." Be attentive and listen with your heart and your mind as God's plans for you become evident. God bless you with confidence and trust in your pursuit. 

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I will instruct you (says the Lord) and guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise you and watch your progress.

~Psalm 32:8 The Living Bible

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Called from Obscurity

In every generation an individual surfaces from obscurity to become a hero. The Iraqi civilian who risked his life to tell the Americans that Jessica Lynch, an American soldier, was being held as a prisoner of war in an Iraqi hospital is considered a hero along with the soldiers who dramatically rescued her.

Samson does not present himself as a hero because his choices portrayed him as too self-centered. However, he refused to be portrayed as a man without courage or lacking bravery. His final act of self-sacrifice was a triumph God would use for the benefit of his people, demonstrating to all that God’s purpose would be fulfilled.

Someone observed, “The world is in need of heroes, for unhappy is a people that have none.” There are unsung heroes who risk everything for others because God consistently calls ordinary people to serve, sometimes quietly, sometimes with loud praise. Be ready to demonstrate your gifts and talents when Jesus calls you.  

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At first, I was weak and trembling with fear. When I talked with you or preached, I didn’t try to prove anything by sounding wise. I simply let God’s Spirit show his power. That way you would have faith because of God’s power and not because of human wisdom.

~1 Corinthians 2:3-5 Contemporary English Version

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Strength for Heroic Action

Life seldom advances on a smooth continuum but alternates between highs and lows that may test our ability to cope. In the middle are the normal days when we carry on with just making a living. Even so, each person will eventually encounter situations that call for heroic action.

We’re aware that heroes are “created by popular demand,” as Gerald Johnson writes in his book, American Heroes and Hero Worship. Samson is not portrayed as a hero, yet he was God's chosen man, and it appears he may have lived his life for that moment when he gave his life to destroy Israel’s enemy. 

Samson knew God was the source of his strength, and by faith he committed his life to that truth. If you need God’s strength for what you’re facing, seek his forgiveness and cleansing, then determine to live the rest of your life for him. God will renew your strength so you can fulfill his purpose for you. His inner peace and security will be your reward. 

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Before I was born, the Lord appointed me; he made me his servant to bring back his people, to bring back the scattered people of Israel. The Lord gives me honor; he is the source of my strength.

~Isaiah 49:5 Good News Bible

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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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Wait in Faith and Hope – Not in Desperation

Henry David Thoreau acknowledged that "men lead lives of quiet desperation." Even those who isolate themselves have only changed the source of their desperation. William Burroughs in his book writes, "Desperation requires drastic change, and only those who leave behind everything can hope for escape."

Samson desperately needed to be free of the shame and humiliation of slavery. As he was led into the courtyard where thousands of people were gathered, he asked a guard to place him between the two columns that supported the roof of the magnificent Dagon temple where three thousand people were gathered to observe his performance.

With the power God provided, Samson pushed the columns apart causing the roof to collapse, crushing himself and the Philistine officials. God answered Samson’s prayer, bringing Israel's freedom a step closer to reality. Instead of quiet desperation, God invites you to wait with faith and hope, trusting that his purpose for you will be fulfilled. Trust him to give you his perfect peace. 

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And now the Lord speaks – the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant, who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him. The Lord has honored me, and my God has given me strength.

~Isaiah 49:5 New Living Translation

Because of [Jesus Christ], your trust can be in God who raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. Now your faith and hope can rest in him alone.

~1 Peter 1:21 The Living 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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A Bridge to Deliverance

Each person fails at living up to self- or other-imposed expectations. Guilt can be perceived as essential for confession and repentance. Forgiveness is required for restoring fellowship with God and others. Samson believed he was beyond failure, and this faulty thinking set him up to become a prized captive of his enemies.

On one occasion a crowd of three thousand dignitaries jubilantly sang out praises for the capture of this mighty warrior who was now their blind slave. In time Samson’s hair grew out, which produced in him a belief God would renew his strength. This new belief inspired a transformation in his attitude that gave him hope for vindication. 

Perhaps Samson's hope began by accepting that he had actually built the bridge to his disgrace as a man and servant of God. Now as a blind slave, he could be humble before God. Vindication and deliverance are made possible by genuine sorrow and an attitude of humility. Ask God for strength and courage to be humble.  

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The Lord says, “I am the high and holy God, who lives forever. I live in a high and holy place, but I also live with people who are humble and repentant, so that I can restore their confidence and hope.”

~Isaiah 57:15 Good News Bible

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