What steps can we take to ensure our strength comes from God, not ourselves? The Scene in Judges 16:11 “Samson told her, ‘If they bind me with new ropes that have never been used, I will become as weak as any other man.’” (Judges 16:11) Samson’s words show a tragic shift: he toys with the source of his strength, presuming he can manage things himself. Instead of honoring the Nazirite vow that set him apart, he treats divine power like a party trick. His drift from dependence on the LORD offers a living warning for us. What Went Wrong for Samson • He downplayed God’s command (Numbers 6:5). • He flirted with temptation instead of fleeing it (Judges 16:6–15). • He assumed past victories guaranteed future strength (Judges 16:20). • He treated his calling as personal talent, not divine trust (Judges 13:5). Lessons for Us Today • God-given strength can be squandered when pride replaces humility. • Reliance on methods, symbols, or routines never substitutes for reliance on God Himself. • Small compromises pave the road to major collapse. Practical Steps to Draw Strength from God 1. Humble your heart daily. • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) 2. Stay tethered to Scripture. • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) 3. Cultivate continual prayer. • “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) 4. Walk in obedience, not mere intention. • “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) 5. Invite accountability. • “Two are better than one… if either falls, his companion can lift him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) 6. Guard the heart from compromise. • “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23) 7. Give God the credit. • “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory.” (Psalm 115:1) Promises to Stand On • “He gives power to the faint; to him who has no might He increases strength.” (Isaiah 40:29) • “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) • “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) • “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10) Cautionary Reminders • Past victories are not a license for present carelessness. • Spiritual gifts without spiritual character invite downfall. • The enemy loves to exploit unattended weaknesses. Closing Thought Like Samson, we can be set apart yet slip when self-confidence replaces God-dependence. Strength is safest when surrendered, stewarded, and sourced in the Lord alone. |
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