Strength for One More Round

Friday, November 21

Judges 16:21-22 (NKJV)

“Then the Philistines took him and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza. They bound him with bronze fetters, and he became a grinder in the prison. However, the hair of his head began to grow again after it had been shaven.”

Devotion

The passage of Scripture above shows the lowest part of Samson’s life—the downfall after he let Delilah blind him spiritually so he could be deceived. Now Samson is not only spiritually blind but physically blind, and on top of that he is chained and a captive of the enemy. His hair, once a symbol of a promise and strength, is gone.

Have you ever been there? Stuck in a mess you played a part in making, the things you once held so close gone, the strength you had depleted, bound up in the grips of the enemy. We see a true rock-bottom situation here with Samson. He could have sat in the prison and given up. He could have cursed God. He could have let the enemy win.

But the last sentence of Judges 16:22 gives us hope. It says, “But the hair on his head began to grow again.” The hair, the power, that he gave up in foolishness wasn’t done growing. Samson wasn’t done fighting. He chose to get up one more time and fight against the enemy. Judges 16:28 says, “Then Samson prayed to the Lord, ‘Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time. With one blow let me pay back the Philistines for the loss of my two eyes.’”

“Strengthen me just one more time.” Let that be your prayer today. Then tomorrow. And then the day after that. Ask the Lord for the strength to overcome the enemy each day, until you’re out of the battle. Samson realized his only hope was in the Lord when he was at rock bottom. When you’re there, get back up and ask for enough strength to fight, and go back to the Lord for more the next day. Because that’s the whole point of our trials—to bring us closer to God. He is strong when we are weak. He is magnified when we are helpless. He is merciful when we are undeserving. He is faithful in all circumstances—He won’t leave you. All you have to do is call upon His name.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Hear my cry, O Lord. When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. You said in Your Word that if a righteous man falls seven times, You will lift him up (each time). I ask for Your anointing and favor to strengthen me in my time of need and to restore me back to the place where I need to be. I pray for Your courage to stand strong in times of trial and temptation. Cause me to glorify Your name. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Settle this in your heart: You are strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, for God is with you. He is a light unto you, even when you sit in darkness. Nothing shall be hidden from you, for His word is a lamp that shines a light on where you are standing and lights the path you are to follow. Jesus is Your victor. He will not let you fail. In Jesus’ name.

Resources

• Discover hope and restoration in every loss—watch the message "The God of What's Left" and see how God turns what’s left into your next miracle!

• Join us for our Thanksgiving Chicken Outreach today—if you need a little extra support to make this Thanksgiving special, find locations and times at freechapel.org/events!