Judges 15-16
Psalm 41
Acts 17
-Devotion by Kristy Cisneros (SC)
“Because he was very thirsty, he cried out to the Lord, ‘You have given your servant this great victory. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?’ Then God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned and he revived. So the spring was called En Hakkore, and it is still there in Lehi.” (Judges 15:18-19, NIV)
This passage demonstrates to me how very temperamental our faith can be at times. Samson honestly seems dramatic and ridiculous. He trusted God to give him victory, yet didn’t trust Him to meet his basic needs. I think we can all be this way. We easily lose sight of the character of God and his son Jesus.
An image comes to mind of Peter boldly stepping out of the boat in faith, quickly followed by Peter’s sheer panic as his faith wavers and he starts to sink. Peter is known as being the impulsive disciple, but I love that he doesn’t get in his head at first in this situation and steps out in faith. He first checks that it’s Jesus who is walking on water in Matthew 14:28: “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water” (NIV). Jesus simply replies with “come” and that was enough for Peter to step out in faith because Peter remembered who Jesus was. Verse 30 paints the very human side of Peter we can all relate to when the cares of the world creep in, “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” (NIV).
When we lose sight of the character of God and Jesus, that is when our faith wavers. Samson’s faith clearly wavers as noted in the above passage. He gives credit to God for his victory, yet doesn’t trust Him with a tiny thing like helping him find water to drink. It brings to mind Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:31-32: “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” (NIV) If we find ourselves worrying about our basic needs, it might be time to remind ourselves that we are promised that God knows what we need.
Another thing that stood out to me about the above passage is Samson’s lack of gratitude. He glossed over this monumental thing God did for him and complained he didn’t have any water to drink. As a parent, I have been exasperated by my children when they behaved this way. You work your fingers to the bone to pull off a great event for them and then they manage to complain about a tiny detail. I have been guilty of doing that myself a time or two as well (wink wink). Instead of complaining about a circumstance, maybe we can look for ways to be grateful. No matter the circumstance, you can ALWAYS find something to thank God for. Remember when the apostle Paul was nearly stoned to death in Monday’s reading yet he and Barnabas got up the next day and continued their mission, encouraged others and praised God. We are challenged in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to maintain a posture of gratitude in any circumstance we encounter, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (NIV). Will we choose to rise to this challenge?
REflection Questions
- What do you think of the statement: “When we lose sight of the character of God and Jesus, that is when our faith wavers”?
- How does complaining or worry affect your faithfulness?
- Do you trust God for the Big Things in your life, but neglect to trust Him with the small things?
- Think of one of the hardest times in your life. What did you still have to be grateful for during that time? What are the benefits (to yourself, to those around you, and in your relationship with God) when you are grateful? What can you be grateful for today? Remind yourself throughout the day.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You and thank You for all You are and all You do, including giving the gift of Your Son. I want to know You both more and more. Forgive me for my worry and complaining when I am not properly focused on You, who You are, Your Son Jesus, what he taught, what he did for me, and the Coming Kingdom You are preparing. Help me see what You want me to see and be grateful. Help my faith to grow.
Seek Grow Love 