Restoration - Day 177 Month 6-26 Week 26-2
Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)
Judges 16, Psalm 143, Jeremiah 50:1-10, Acts 12
Restoration
Samson may have been physically strong, but he often appeared weak in moral character. He visited a prostitute, and he seemed especially vulnerable in his relationships with women. Delilah was eventually able to persuade him to reveal the source of his strength in exchange for money. Clearly, Samson loved Delilah, but she did not appear to love him in return.
Because of his gullibility and Delilah's manipulation, Samson lost his strength when his hair was cut, and the Philistines captured and blinded him. Yet God was not finished with him. In the end, God used Samson one final time to destroy those who were worshipping the god Dagon. It amazes me that God chose to use Samson as a judge of Israel despite his many weaknesses and failures.
We see moral failures among spiritual leaders quite regularly in our day. The teaching pastor at the church where I last worked in Ontario experienced a moral failure, and eventually that failure caused the end of that church organization. Prior to that, however, God had used him in remarkable ways. The church had started as a much smaller congregation in the late 1980s and grew to become one of the largest churches in Canada. Through his teaching and leadership, many people came to know Jesus. Many people have written him off, but the story of Samson gives me hope. God used Samson more powerfully in his final recorded act than in any other single moment of his life. In the same way, I believe God may choose to use that former pastor again. Perhaps his greatest impact is still ahead of him. God may choose a different path, but it is encouraging to remember that He can still use us in spite of our failures.
If you are a follower of Jesus and have experienced failure in your life, or if you have been responsible for wrongdoing, God can still use you. Every one of us has failed in one way or another. We were born into a broken world and we all sin. The path forward begins with recognizing our failures, confessing them to God, repenting (turning away from sin and back toward Him) and asking Him to use us for His glory.
Just as Samson was ultimately used by God, the former pastor and the Jesus follower who has lost their way can also be used by God again. God loves you, and your failures do not have to define your future.
If you have not yet decided to follow Jesus, you can make that decision today. The invitation remains open. If you would like direction or simply want to talk, feel free to email me.
Have a great day!
Steve
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