06/15/2025 Samson
5 Day Devotional
Day 1: Chosen for a Purpose
Devotional
From before birth, God has a unique purpose for each of us. Just like Samson, we are chosen and set apart for specific works that God has prepared in advance. However, sometimes we struggle to embrace this calling, questioning our worthiness or resisting the path God has laid out. Yet God's choice of us isn't based on our perfection, but on His perfect plan. He sees beyond our current state to what we can become through His power working in us. When we understand that we are deliberately chosen by God, it changes how we view our purpose and potential.
Bible Verse
"Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, so the Lord delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years." - Judges 13:1
Reflection Question
How does knowing that God chose you for a specific purpose change the way you view your current circumstances and challenges?
Quote
Unlike the first couple of judges that we've gone through here, Samson has been chosen since birth. He's been given direct instructions on the way Samson is supposed to be raised and how he is expected to act. There's been direct instructions. There's no questions.
Prayer
Lord, help me embrace the purpose for which You've chosen me. Give me the courage to step into Your calling, even when I feel inadequate. Thank You for choosing me despite my imperfections. Amen.
Day 2: Strength Through Surrender
Devotional
Often, we view strength as something we must build up within ourselves. We resist showing weakness, trying instead to project an image of having it all together. However, true spiritual strength comes not through resistance but through surrender. When we release our need to control and fully trust God's leading, we tap into a power far greater than our own. This paradox of finding strength through surrender is at the heart of our spiritual journey.
Bible Verse
"By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days." - Hebrews 11:32-34
Reflection Question
In what areas of your life are you trying to maintain control instead of surrendering to God's leadership?
Quote
Weakness in this world is often something that we try to hide. When we are weak, we try to hide it. Nobody ever goes out and goes, I'm weak in this situation.
Prayer
Father, teach me to find strength in surrender. Help me release my grip on control and trust in Your perfect plan. Let Your strength be made perfect in my weakness. Amen.
Day 3: Set Apart for Holiness
Devotional
Being set apart for God doesn't mean being perfect - it means being different. Like Samson, we're called to live distinctively from the world around us. This calling isn't about isolation, but about transformation. When we allow God to work in our lives, our choices, attitudes, and actions should naturally begin to reflect His character. This visible difference becomes a powerful testimony to others of God's transforming work.
Bible Verse
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." - Acts 1:8
Reflection Question
What specific aspects of your life clearly demonstrate to others that you're set apart for God's purposes?
Quote
When God says, I command you to be holy, as I am holy, to be set apart. This is what he's asking us to do, be set apart. Make it to where your life looks different than everybody else around you. Does your life look different than everybody else around you?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, help me live a life that clearly reflects Your presence. Make me different in ways that draw others to You. Give me courage to stand out for Your glory. Amen.
Day 4: Using Your Gifts
Devotional
Each of us has been blessed with unique gifts and talents from God. These aren't meant to be hidden away or used solely for our own benefit. Like Samson, who had extraordinary physical strength, our gifts are meant to serve God's purposes and benefit others. Whether your gift is teaching, encouragement, leadership, or service, God has equipped you with exactly what's needed for His kingdom work. The question isn't whether you have gifts, but how you're using them.
Bible Verse
"Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, 'The woman will give birth to a son, and no razor may ever be used on his head, because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb.'" - Judges 13:3-4
Reflection Question
What specific gifts has God given you, and how could you use them more effectively for His kingdom purposes?
Quote
God has given each and every one of us some sort of gift. He's made you attend someplace.
Prayer
Lord, show me how to use my gifts for Your glory. Help me recognize the opportunities You provide to serve others through the talents You've given me. Amen.
Day 5: Final Release
Devotional
Sometimes our greatest breakthrough comes at the point of complete surrender. Like Samson at the end of his life, when we finally stop resisting and fully release everything to God, we experience His power in unprecedented ways. This final release isn't about giving up - it's about giving over. It's about trusting God so completely that we're willing to place everything in His hands, knowing He can do more with our surrender than we could ever accomplish through our striving.
Bible Verse
"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:8-10
Reflection Question
What are you still holding onto that God is asking you to release to Him?
Quote
Strength isn't found in what we resist, but what we release into a faithful God.
Prayer
Faithful God, I release everything to You - my plans, my fears, my control. Help me trust You completely and experience the freedom and power that comes through full surrender. Amen.