Bible Chapter: Judges 15 & 16

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    The word that comes to my mind as I read these chapters is potential.  God had a plan for Samson.  He empowered him with the Spirit of God.  There was an amazing plan for how God wanted to use Samson.  Unfortunately, Samson had other ideas.  He misused what God had given him.  Yes, he judged Israel for twenty years.  Sadly, he never reached the potential God had for him.
    Samson was consumed with uncontrollable desires of sexual lust.  He didn’t seek a wife from Israel.  He played around with the enemy.  He risked everything for temporary pleasures.  He toyed with the source of his strength.  It was more important to Samson to satisfy his physical desires than to please God.  He was so sure of himself that he didn’t even realize when God left him.  This eventually brought him to his death.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    As I have rambled through life I have met many people with amazing gifts.  The things they can do are astonishing.  There are some who have so many abilities.  It is what they do with them that it is important.  Sadly, Samson didn’t use the gifts God gave him properly.  When God creates a person, He gives them abilities they are to develop and use.  While it is common to be impressed (and probably jealous as well) at people with many gifts and talents, it is important that we use what God has given to us to the best of our ability, without worrying what the other person can do.  Samson didn’t do that, he didn’t obey God’s commands, thereby missing his full potential.  He did accomplish some things, but he never brought the nation to deliverance from the captivity of the Philistines.  I wonder what would have happened if he had been faithful to God.  That is the continual challenge we all face.   Again, I think of potential, the potential God gives to each one of us.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to encourage people to look to God for what He has given to them.  Identify the talents, the desires God has given.  Then, find the ways to develop and reach their full potential with God’s help to impact eternity.