Read: Judges 13: 2-24, Psalm 89:1-4
Reflect: We have seen evidence of God’s promises throughout the Bible; from His covenant with Noah to His promise to Abraham and Sara. God is well recognized as our provider in our most desolate times, the rock in which we rely on. Much like the promise He made to Abraham and Sara; God also promised a child to the barren wife of Manoah. The child promised to this couple was born and grew up to be the mighty and strong Samson.
Upon entering into this promise an angel of the Lord appeared before Manoah’s wife and commanded ‘Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean. You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb.’
Manoah’s wife was overjoyed at this promise, she took this command in reverence and was quick to declare her obedience and trust in Him. Her husband however, reacted somewhat differently. He was fearful, proclaiming that after seeing God they would surely die. Sometimes the thought of God’s will or promise for us may frighten us. We may fear our competencies or our abilities to abide by Him in obedience. We simply feel ill equipped or just hesitant to trust in Him. But He does not call upon us because we are strong and prepared… He calls on us when we have faith and we are willing. He already knows every strength and weakness that our human flesh may possess and He calls upon us regardless.
Sometimes it seems like obedience is a challenge, we feel like it’s hard to live by ‘rules and regulations’, and as in Samson’s case, we may downright fail to follow those rules and regulations. But we must remember that His promise is never negated in our neglect to follow through. He is unmoving and unshaken and His ultimate promise of deliverance can never be undone by our fears. We must remember that He sent us the ultimate gift in His son. The ultimate promise, the ultimate proof that His will is to be done. All He requests from us is our desire to trust in Him and to strive to walk in obedience to His word.
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Discuss: When do you find it most challenging to obey? Where do you sometimes struggle in your faith walk? It may help to take a moment and ask Him to reveal this to you. Ask Him where you need to trust Him and have faith that He will reveal.
Pray: Lord, I humbly ask you to lead in my next steps. Show me where I can honor you and where I need to place my trust. I thank you for the ultimate gift, the ultimate promise of salvation in your son. I only ask that you help me honor you and follow your will as I proclaim your promises and trust in your ways.
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