STUDY ARTICLE 37 Rely on Jehovah, as Samson Did Flashcards
“Sovereign Lord Jehovah, remember me, please, and strengthen me.”—JUDG. 16:28. Samson—the name of this Bible character is known to many, even to people with little knowledge of the Scriptures. His story has been featured by playwrights, songwriters, and moviemakers. Yet, the account of his life is no mere tale. We can learn much from this man of great faith.
How can you show trust in Jehovah, as Samson did?
“Jehovah’s spirit empowered” Samson and he freed himself from the ropes. He then “found a fresh jawbone of a male donkey,” picked it up, and used it to strike down 1,000 Philistine men!—Read Judges 15:14-16.
his success depended on Jehovah, not on which weapon he used. Yes, this faithful man used what was available to him to accomplish Jehovah’s will. Clearly, as a result of his reliance on Jehovah, Samson was blessed with great success.
Trust that Jehovah, who empowered Samson, will help you to do His will as long as you rely on Him for help.—Prov. 16:3.
‘Am I looking for Jehovah’s direction and remaining adaptable in my service to him?’
How did Jehovah empower Samson to defeat the Philistines?
Samson knew that he could never have done such things without Jehovah’s help. That was evident on one occasion when he became very thirsty after striking down 1,000 Philistines. What did he do? Rather than depend on himself to deal with his thirst, he called out to Jehovah for help.
Jehovah answered Samson’s cry for help by miraculously creating a source of water. When Samson drank from it, “his strength returned and he revived.” (Read Judges 15:19 and footnote.) Apparently, this new water source still existed years later when the prophet Samuel was inspired to write the book of Judges. The Israelites who saw that flowing water may have been reminded that Jehovah can be relied on to help his faithful worshippers in their time of need.
Samson was energized after he drank the water that Jehovah provided. We do well to take advantage of the provisions Jehovah makes available to keep us spiritually strong
should modestly accept the fact that true success is possible only when we rely on Jehovah. Just as Samson was energized when he drank the water that Jehovah provided, we will be spiritually strengthened when we take advantage of all the provisions Jehovah makes available to us.—Matt. 11:28.
By building up our faith through a good routine of personal Bible study and other theocratic activities. Jehovah, in turn, will richly bless our efforts to serve him. He strengthened Samson, and He can certainly strengthen us.
What can we learn from Samson’s actions after he made a mistake?
Although Samson experienced the painful consequences of his mistake, he did not stop trying to do Jehovah’s will. Even if we make a mistake and need reproof or lose a privilege, we must not give up. Remember, Jehovah does not give up on us. (Ps. 103:8-10) Despite our mistakes, we can still be useful to Jehovah, just as Samson was.
Samson likely felt terrible about his mistake, but he did not give up—neither should we.
I focused on repairing my relationship with Jehovah by regularly opening up my heart to him in prayer, studying, and meditating.” In time, Michael regained his good standing in the congregation. He now serves as an elder and a regular pioneer. He notes: “The support and encouragement I received, especially from the elders, helped me to realize that Jehovah still loves me. I can once again serve in the congregation with a clean conscience. This experience has taught me that Jehovah will forgive anyone who is truly repentant.” We can be confident that Jehovah will use us and bless us too even if we have made mistakes, provided that we do all we can to correct our ways and continue to rely on him.—Ps. 86:5; Prov. 28:13.
