The Bible skips over the early years of Samson's life, telling us only that "he grew and the Lord blessed him, and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him" (Judges 13:24-25). What followed is a story that is difficult to grasp, for Samson became interested in a Philistine woman, much to his parents' chagrin. But fortunately, the writer provided us with insight into the situation:
His parents did not know that this was from the Lord, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines; for at that time they were ruling over Israel (Judges 14:4).
God was busy "blessing" Samson while He was also working through his motivations and interests to direct him into his creative purpose. God was capable of "dealing" with the Philistines Himself, but He wanted to use Samson and all his quirks and imperfections to achieve His objective.
If God can use Samson, He can use you despite your flaws, weaknesses, and personality. What's more, you can have confidence, faith even, that God is working with and for you even if you can't sense or see His hand. Paul explained this best when he wrote, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us" (2 Corinthians 4:7).
Is your focus on your jar of clay or His all-surpassing power? Have you excused yourself from some aspect of God's service even though He hasn't dismissed you? Have you done this because you think "there's no way God can use me in the state I am in"? What else can you learn about your own purpose quest from Samson's example?
God knows you and still wants to use you. The less likely of a candidate you are, the more glory God will get when the job is done. Stop second-guessing God as to who and how He made you and what He wants you to do. Get busy being a Samson in your world, for God has indeed blessed you and is stirring something in you—just like He did for Samson.
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