In the movie "Ocean's Eleven", A group of thieves and con artists get together to steal from the owner of a large casino. While their actions were wrong - because stealing is wrong - It was nice to see the owner, a rich, pompous, arrogant jerk, get something that was coming to him.
This is what has happened in this episode of 'Samson'. The wife has given up the information to the Philistines and they have won the bet. Samson - who has lost his temper - heads down to Ashkelon and kills 30 men, steals their clothes, so that he can pay up on his bet. The questions is, why would the Lord give Samson power to pay on a gambling debt?
God's purpose is so much bigger than what's right in front of our face. It was never about the gambling debt - Samson's purpose is to deliver Israel from the Philistines, and he just killed 30 of them in his anger. Maybe Samson has forgotten what the angel of Lord told his parents before he was born - maybe Samson doesn't care anymore, he's just living for himself.
God has a purpose for each one of us. We may not know what it is, but He does. We can choose to live our own life, like Samson, and be humiliated because of our pride, left by a spouse who was a bad choice, or any of the other things we will read about in Samson's life - but regardless - God's purpose WILL be fulfilled. Are we willing to do it God's way and reap the benefits of the purpose He has set up for us? Or will we be stubborn and try it our way and suffer the consequences while God's plan still gets carried out.
9 comments:
How wonderful it would be if we would only do it God's way - submit to Him- and let His plan unfold. I have been looking at recent events unfold and see where wrong choices have been made. Also can see where God plan is greater than what we see in our immediate circumstances. No I don't believe that we should do evil so that good can come out of it But I certainly believe that what the enemy means for evil God will work for His good. God gave us free will and we often use our free will to make bad or wrong choices.
I have seen this work in my own life time and time again--what was meant for evil God used for good.
At the time, not being fully focused on God at all, I thought of these instances as "coincidence".
But, now--looking back--I can see God's hand there in my life all along--even when I was so far from Him.
I ask God every morning to direct me, to use me, to lead and guide me as to what He wants me to do. Sometimes though, in the rush of the day, I think I miss it.
So, I need to learn to listen more intently to what God is telling me, to be still and listen.
Beth
Trusting God no matter what is the hardest part of living the wonderful Christian life. So often, lately I'm seeing more clearly how profound the Bible's statement that God's ways are not our ways truly is. Working in the exoffender and the prison ministry has been a most mind expanding experience. I have come to know some of the most passionate committed Christians among the exoffenders of anyone I have ever known. You hit it on this post.
Gods Way AMEN!!! Those that have ears, let them hear. If Just some people would hear and not be so stubborn and reap the benefits, they would be so much happier. I know still today, I have learned so much and don't choose to do everything my way.
One way Jesus your the only one that I can live for. My husband and I were singing this last night when we went to bed.
Great Post
Blessings
Sharon
Dorothy, I love the way you tie in popular culture into your posts! Our mutual friend loves the movies, too, doesn't she!
Great post. I think life is like one of those math riddles where you take a number, manipulate it in several different ways but always come up with the same solution. No matter what we do, the end will be the same because God already has it figured out. Some ways we chose will be more difficult though and cause us lots more pain.
I too like the pop culture in with the biblical teaching. I believe htat is called teaching in parables. Just like Jesus.
I loved this post!
I so often even though I know what I am supose to do...try to do it my way. UGHHH! I hate that!
Thanks for the reminder.
Pamela
I love this. Learning to do it God's way can be a challenge but it is the best way.
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