Messy Grace

Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026

Enter Samson. Legend. And also kind of a loser. If Gideon was the reluctant hero, Samson is the problematic one. He’s got the Nazarite vow, but he’s out here touching dead lions and chasing women who definitely don’t share his faith. Judges 14 is a chaotic mix of a wedding, a riddle, and a body count. It feels more like an action movie than a Bible story. But here’s the shocker: the text says his desire for a Philistine woman “was from the Lord.” How’s that?

Hold up. Does God approve of Samson’s bad choices? No. But God is so sovereign and so committed to His people that He can even use our mess to accomplish His purposes. In the grand narrative, Samson shows us that God’s promises aren’t derailed by human failure. Samson is an appointed deliverer who needs a Deliverer. He points us to the fact that we don’t need a strong man with long hair like Fabio; we need a Sinless Man with a crown of thorns. God works through the wreckage of Samson’s life to strike the Philistines, proving He can hit a straight mark with a crooked stick.

Psalm 63 speaks of a soul that thirsts for God in a dry and parched land. Samson’s life is a cautionary tale of what happens when we try to satisfy that thirst with the honey of the world instead of the presence of God. Even when Samson is doing his own thing, God’s Spirit “comes powerfully upon him.” It’s a terrifying and beautiful reality of grace. God won’t let go of us, even when we’re trying to let go of Him. Your mess isn’t too big for God’s mission, but don’t mistake His sovereignty for His endorsement of your sin.

Devotional Prompts:

How does the idea of God hitting a straight mark with a crooked stick comfort or challenge you?
Where do you see yourself seeking honey in the wrong places lately?
Samson had great strength but very little self-control. Which do you think is more important for a life of faith, and why?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank You that my failures cannot stop Your plans for my life. Help me to thirst for You above all worldly desires, and lead me in the way of holiness and true strength. Amen.