Not Again

Scripture: Judges 16 Key Verse: 16:15-17
Delilah said to Samson, "How can you say that you love me when your heart isn't mine? You've made fun of me three times now, but you still haven't told me what makes you so strong." Everyday she made his life miserable with her questions. She pestered him until he wished he were dead. Finally, he told her the truth. He told her, "Because I', a Nazirite, no one has ever cut the hair on my head. I was dedicated to God before I was born. If my hair is ever shaved off, my strength will leave me. Then I'll be like any other man."

Objective:
The story of Samson's final days. The Philistines wanted him tied up to be tortured. So they devised a plan to use the woman that samson fell in love with. She would get him to tell the reason for his strength. She tries three times and each time he had lied to her. After several more attempts making his life miserable, he gives in and tells the truth. Which ultimately leads to his capture and torture. During which he prayed to God to give him strength once more to knock over the building. He did and all in the building died, including Samson.

Application:
There are several ways to look at this chapter in Judges, but one that jumps out at me is about sin. We tend to do what Samson did and continue to put ourselves in places or situations that we will most likely slip and fall. If an alcoholic truly is ready to give up alcohol they probably don't frequent bars and nightclubs. When a married man is attracted to another woman at work or somewhere, it is best that man doesn't spend alone time with that woman.

However we do this all the time. We put ourselves in situations where we will sin. We tend to think we can handle it, or it was just a momentary lapse last time. This is played out time and time again by the Hollywood elite that hop in and out of rehab and jail, just to go back to whatever it was that got them there in the first place. When we are in a situation that we know is tempting for us we need to leave. As Jason and Grant from the Ghost Hunters say, "When in doubt, get the hell out."

Prayer:
Spirit guide me, remind me of trouble spots, help me remember the places i know I have trouble staying above water. When I am in these places give me the strength to get out. Help us surround ourselves with places and situations that will glorify you, not make us fall.