“As he approached Lehi, the Philistines came toward him shouting. The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him. The ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the bindings dropped from his hands. Finding a fresh jawbone of a donkey, he grabbed it and struck down a thousand men.”
- Judges 15:14-15 -

Samson shows seeking physical pleasures of a gentile woman, arrogant and revengeful. How can the Spirit of God come to him and use him for God's work? Our devotional book, 'Encounter with God' gives it an answer:

"It is helpful to contrast the work of the Spirit in the Old Testament with His work in the New Testament. In Old Testament times, the Spirit came upon individuals for a specific period and a specific task; in the New Testament, the Spirit dwells permanently in a believer, not only to empower with charismatic gifts for service but also to produce the fruit of a Christ-like character. However, we should notice that, even in New Testament times, spiritual gifts are not always allied with godly character – after all, they are gifts, not rewards for good behavior."

So we can find hope to be used by God. God who used Samson will use us for His purpose as He called us in Jesus Christ. To be more effective for Him, we should pursue His holiness (2 Ti 2:20-21). Our ultimate goal is to reflect who God is: the person of God and the nature of God through our life.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for calling us in your mercy in Christ Jesus. Help me to be filled with the Spirit and reflect who you are to the world.