Remembering the miracle of God's second chances

Lots can be said about the mistakes Samson made in his life. They were many. Those mistakes are troubling to remember because Samson was a "miracle" son born to a childless couple. God destined the miracle son to live as a Nazirite who would lead Israel. As a sign of belonging to the Lord, Samson couldn't cut his hair, consume alcohol, or touch a corpse. 

Source: Wikipedia

God intended to use Samson as a living weapon against Israel's enemies, the Philistines. God used Samson mightily to stop the harassment of the Philistines, but Samson eventually lost sight of God's purpose. Samson didn't keep his Nazirite vows, he didn't listen to his parents about marriage, and he allowed himself to be taken down by Delilah, who conspired against him with the Philistines. Delilah didn't stab or poison him. She pressed Samson until he shared his spiritual secrets about the seven locks on his head. She shaved his head, and Samson's amazing strength disappeared.

It's a tragic, but mesmerizing story. But it's not the end. Samson's hair grew back. While blinded and humiliated by the Philistines -- Samson became entertainment for them -- he rededicated himself to the Lord and asked for a second chance. And the Lord used Him! Here's what happened:

And when their hearts were merry, they said, “Call Samson, that he may entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison, and he entertained them. They made him stand between the pillars. And Samson said to the young man who held him by the hand, “Let me feel the pillars on which the house rests, that I may lean against them.” Now the house was full of men and women. All the lords of the Philistines were there, and on the roof there were about 3,000 men and women, who looked on while Samson entertained.Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.” And Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and he leaned his weight against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other. And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life (Judges 16:25-30, ESV).

Samson's story should encourage us that we may wander far from His purposes, but there's a miraculous opportunity when the Lord offers a second chance. How many of us have experienced a second chance? How many of us long for one today? How many of us will allow God to use us to give a second chance to others? 

Whatever category that fits us, let's do this. This holiday season, let's ask for a second chance. And let's not hesitate to give a second chance to others.

Help Dallas Leadership Foundation serve as a conduit for God’s miracles to Dallas families. Help us give others a second chance! Sign up to volunteer or browse our new online Treasures of Hope Christmas Store at dlftx.org/events and purchase a gift for someone special. Share this post on your social networks with the hashtag #WebelieveGodcan or #Miracles.