Nov 02 – GREAT STRENGTH !

“Please tell me where your great strength lies…” (Judges 16:6)

In those days, Delilah wanted to know the secret behind the great strength of Samson.  Even today, it is true that the world around us wants to know the source of our strength, our blessings, our excellence and especially the Power of God that works in and through us.

Samson had supernatural strength in him, and that was not because of his regular physical exercise routine or rich food that he ate.  Nor was it a hereditary aspect.

May be Delilah would have already heard much about or directly witnessed the supernatural acts of Samson.  She would have wanted to know the source of such supernatural strength with which he pulled up the doors and gateposts of the city of Gaza, how he slayed a thousand men with the jawbone of a donkey, how he was able to catch three hundred foxes and set torches on their tails to destroy the standing grains of Philistines, or how he tore the lion apart, although he had nothing in his hand.  </p>

And when she asked him, Samson told her all that he had in his heart and said to her: “No razor has ever come upon my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaven, then my strength will leave me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.” (Judges 16:17)

When you read the above verse, it will appear that even Samson was not aware of the secret of his supernatural strength.  He just ascribed the reason for his strength to his hair.  How pathetic that He did not give glory to God, who is the real reason for his strength.

Actually, the secret of his strength was two-fold.  First it is because of the power of the Holy Spirit.  And secondly because of the life of dedication.  When someone loses these two aspects in his life, then no power or strength will be left in him.

About the Holy Spirit, the Scripture mentions as : ‘the power endued from on high’. (Luke 24:49).  “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8).  It is the same Holy Spirit who endowed Samson with such power and strength.  We read in the Scripture that: “the Spirit of the Lord began to move upon him.” (Judges 13:25).  “And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him…” (Judges 14:6)

Dear children of God, when the Holy Spirit comes down upon you, you are filled with power and strength.  But in order to retain that strength, it is important for you to abide in a holy and dedicated life.  You should conduct yourselves in such a manner so as not to grieve the Holy Spirit.  </p>

Verse for further meditation: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)