SAMSON’S STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS
THE LIVING WATER DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
DATE: Monday, 9th November, 2026.
TOPIC: SAMSON’S STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS
MEMORISE
But his father and mother did not know that it was of the LORD — that He was seeking an occasion to move against the Philistines (Judges 14:4).
READ: Judges 14:1-7
[1] Now Samson went down to Timnah, and saw a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines.
[2] So he went up and told his father and mother, saying, “I have seen a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines; now therefore, get her for me as a wife.”
[3] Then his father and mother said to him, “Is there no woman among the daughters of your brethren, or among all my people, that you must go and get a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?” And Samson said to his father, “Get her for me, for she pleases me well.”
[4] But his father and mother did not know that it was of the Lord—that He was seeking an occasion to move against the Philistines. For at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel.
[5] So Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother, and came to the vineyards of Timnah. Now to his surprise, a young lion came roaring against him.
[6] And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he tore the lion apart as one would have torn apart a young goat, though he had nothing in his hand. But he did not tell his father or his mother what he had done.
[7] Then he went down and talked with the woman; and she pleased Samson well.
EXPOSITION
Samson’s ‘s incredible strength was both a blessing and a responsibility but his struggle to prioritise God’s will over his own desires often complicated his mission. His decision to marry a Philistine woman, against the guidance of his parents, reveals a pattern of placing personal satisfaction above divine instructions. This example shows the consequences of letting emotions and impulses guide our decisions rather than relying on God’s wisdom.
PREVIOUS DEVOTIONAL
Even so, Samson’s story is a testament to God’s grace and sovereignty. Despite his shortcomings, God worked through his life to accomplish a greater purpose. This reminds us that His plans prevail, even when our choices fall short. Yet, we are also warned that following our own desires can lead to unnecessary hardship and pain
Reflect on whether personal emotions or desires are influencing your choices. God offers wisdom and strength to help us walk in alignment with His purpose. Through prayer and studying His Word, seek self-control and guidance to make decisions that honour Him and fulfil your calling. His grace is sufficient to redirect your path toward His divine plan.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Ask God for wisdom and self-control in your decisions.
2. Pray for the strength to resist temptations that draw you away from His will.
3. Thank God for working through your life, even when you make mistakes.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CACGHB: 761
L M & Ref
1. Where He lead me I will go,
For I have leaned to trust Him so,
And I remember ’twas for me,
That he was slain on Calvary.
Jesus shall lead me night and day
Jesus shall lead me all the way
He is the truest Friend to me,
For I remember Calvary.
2. O I delight His command,
Love to be led y His dear hand;
His divine will is sweet to me
Hallowed by blood-stained Calvary.
3. Onward I go, nor doubt nor fear,
Happy with Christ my saviour near,
Trusting that I some day shall see
Jesus my friend on Calvary.
Amen.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Acts 7-9
AUTHOR
CAC, Christian Education Department.
Stay blessed and fruitful to reign as Christ’s ambassadors.
Content Credit: THE LIVING WATER- CAC DAILY DEVOTINAL GUIDE
Image Credit: Google.com
