Devotion given by Cherry Smith at the May 2013 Guild meeting.
As a writer, I lost my direction when I focused on my perceived weaknesses instead of God’s promises that He equipped me to complete the good work that we started. I had successfully completed all of my doctoral courses, writing 10,000-20,000 words a week during a season when my business was booming and I was caring for my mother.
Then I began looking at the cares of my life…health issues, financial worries, relational circumstances, and selfish desires…and redirected my attention from God and His faithfulness in equipping me to complete my dissertation to focusing on my insecurities. Then other things became distractions…a clean house, time with friends, television…and, ultimately, guilt followed when I knew that I had not trusted God to see me through the challenges of earning a doctorate.
A visiting pastor told the story of Samson and suggested that I could trust in God one more time and that I could complete an assignment that I had been designed and equipped to do.
Judges 13:24-25
Then Samson strayed from the path and disobeyed the laws of his people, deceived his parents, sought revenge, and put the people of Judah in danger.
However, when Samson used his supernatural strength and abilities to honor and glorify God, he defeated 1000 Philistines and became the leader of Israel for 20 years. When he cried out in thirst, God gave him water.
Then his focus changed and he wanted Delilah, who was used by the Philistines to uncover the secret of his strength. He eventually revealed the secret and was captured, tortured, and blinded. One day the Philistines called for Samson to be the entertainment for their feast. Samson asked to be tied between two pillars of the temple.
One more time, Samson exercised his faith and trust in God to deliver his people from the Philistines, which Samson was equipped by God to accomplish.
Judges 16:28; 30
Samson had faith one more time to honor and glorify God by completing the assignment for which he had been equipped.
Let us pray that we use our God-given gifts and talents to complete the assignments that we have been given.
Heb 13: 20-21
