Used

Every year on the 25th of December my brother would turn our tv to TBS. The reason being is that this channel played “A Christmas story” on repeat for an entire 24 hours straight. 

If you have seen this movie, you know the classic “triple dog dare” scene. The words “triple dog dare” are quite intimidating. If you accept this dare, you must be really brave. And if you don’t you’re a wuss (by society’s standards).

Although accepting a triple dog dare seems courageous to begin with, it typically ends with a laughing audience. If you have seen “A Christmas story” you definitely know we all get to laugh at poor Ralphie’s expense. 

In the book of Judges, we see a lot of characters with bravery and a lot with foolishness. Samson seemed to have both. I picture Samson as a real charming guy. I’m sure it wasn’t hard for him to get whatever he desired.

But after a few clever riddles and battles, his life takes a sharp turn.​

We find him hanging out with the wrong crowd and one character in particular will end up taking him down. After pushing, pushing, and more pushing, he finally hands his secret over to Delilah. And once he does, she uses it to her advantage. 

Oh my, have I heard numerous people talk about this story and get some slight entertainment at Samson’s expense. It seems so obvious to us that this poor guy is being strung along! However, if we’re being honest, at some point in our lives haven’t we all been the fool in one story or another? (And if you said, “not me” to that question, you’re fooling yourself).

I can look back at my life and see so many times when I was pressured to do something that wasn’t right in the eyes of God. I thought I was being brave by saying, “yes,” when the bravest thing would have been to say “no.” Over and over and over again.

I often look back in the rear view mirror of my memory, as I am sure Samson did, and feel vastly full of regret. Unfortunately, it just has never done me a lot of good. I can’t undo it. 
But there is hope.

There is one verse I have glossed over numerous times in this story: “But his hair began to grow back” (Judges 16:22).  He ended up killing more people at his death than in his entire life. God used him greatly at his most humbling moment. 

Samson was never too far gone for God's plan. And neither are we. Even at rock bottom, God can use you exactly where you are.  

Today, if you are looking in the rear view mirror, don’t let it use you. Allow God to use you where you are. Look to Him with repentance and know that He will always forgive and use a willing heart. Making mistakes humbles you. When we allow God to soften our hearts by leaning toward Him, instead of our ego or inner critic, we can see our trials and errors in a new light: as an opportunity to glorify God. 

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (NIV)

About the Author

Hi, I'm Taylor Watkins! I live in the North Georgia mountains with my husband and best friend, Ethan. Our humble abode is decorated with pink and purple crayon drawings and cut-out paper hearts, created by our two sweet daughters. Black cups of coffee, inspiring books, writing, fuzzy blankets, and deep belly laughs are some of my favorite things. I am all about some comfort, which is one of the many reasons I love me some Jesus. Walking with Jesus and talking about the Word with a group of women has been life-changing. Come join us and come as you are. (Slippers are welcome.) ​