He Didn’t Know

“But (Samson) did not know that the Lord had left him.” Judges 16:20b

He was a miracle–a very special baby, whose conception was announced to his mother by an angel. No, his name was not Jesus–it was Samson! From day one, God had chosen Samson and prepared him to be used greatly in His plans for Israel (Judges 13:5). God did use Samson to do some amazing things (Judges 15), but there was a troubling pattern in his life. He disregarded God’s principles (Judges 14:9). He was tempted by lust and got involved with women in ways that were not honoring to God (Judges 16:1). In time, Samson found himself so disconnected from God and so far from where he should’ve been, that he didn’t even realize that God was no longer blessing and guiding him.

Now, it would be very easy to look at Samson and say, “How could he be that dull? He didn’t even know that God wasn’t helping him? I can’t imagine being that far from God!” Well, friends, let me tell you–I think it happens all the time, but it doesn’t happen all at once. Gradually, one decision after another, we choose our own way instead of God’s way. At first, it’s not that serious: a slight deception, a little lie, a casual glance, a little extra time at lunch. But each step takes us a little further down the road from where we should be. Then one day, we wake up in a place we never dreamed we would be.

Don’t be like Samson. When you fall, confess your sin to God (I John 1:9). Don’t let sin compound in your life. You’ll end up in a place you never thought you’d go.

-Pastor Mike