I’m reading and re-reading Judges 13-16 and the stories that are told about Samson. These chapters tell a lot about the man that we all remember as being very strong. We remember the story of Samson and his girlfriend Delilah, and her name is synonymous with women who trick and deceive. But there’s more to the stories of Samson than just his strength, hair, and impurity.

Samson was born into a Godly family. He was born under extraordinary circumstances. He had the potential to be a great man of God that would be remembered forever as the greatest judge that ever lived. The fact that he would be born was announced by an angel. He was a miracle from the beginning, and the hand of God was on him. But he ended up having his eyes plucked out by his enemies and committing suicide as a dying act of service to his God.

How did his life change so dramatically?

Samson’s problem was the desire for revenge more than it was impurity. It seems that in every story about him, he was always looking to get even with people. He was selfish and had poor self-esteem. These things led to his impurity. We can see this from the first words he speaks in Judges, when he tells his parents what he wants and will not settle for anything less.

Despite his shortcomings, God still used Samson. Imagine what God could have done through his life if he were fully devoted and would have dealt with the problems he had in his life.

The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in and by the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him. I will try my utmost to be that man. -D.L. Moody