Samson was Israel’s judge for 20 years. He began his life as a man set apart by God, born with the purpose of rescuing Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:5).  That’s a heavy plan for a young man with a temper and an affinity towards bad chicks.

Samson’s life was definitely colored by struggle and conflict. In Judges 14, we read the story of his first marriage.  His parents don’t approve, and verse 4 tells us that his mother and father didn’t realize that “the Lord was at work in this, creating an opportunity to disrupt the Philistines, who ruled over Israel at that time.” Samson kills 30 Philistines and loses his wife to his best man.  When he discovers that she’s with another man, he kills another thousand Philistines.  He falls in love again, with another bad girl, who repeatedly shows him her true nature.  Blinded by love, he ignores the warning signs and falls into her trap, eventually leading to his ultimate downfall.  In his final act, a blinded, publically humiliated Samson takes out more Philistines, than he had done during his entire lifetime (Judges 16:30), including all of their leaders.  He left the Philistines weakened in number and without a leader to guide them.

I would call that a disruption. Sounds to me like he fulfilled his purpose.

As Christians, we know that we have a purpose on our lives, but often we get bogged down in conflict, struggle, and maybe even death- physical or emotional.  It may feel like we’re not walking it out. Samson wasn’t perfect, but we know by his final prayer, that he had faith in God.  He walked out his faith and lived out his purpose, although it seems as though he took a winding path to get there. Don’t let your faith be wounded by the struggles you face.  Don’t let your own imperfections push you away from God or his purpose on your life.  Talk to God.  Lay it all out for Him- don’t leave out the ugly parts.  Give it to Him and let Him complete His purpose in you.

~Shiney