Every one of us, whether male or female, has been divinely selected to draw all towards Christ. We are tasked with the mission of reconciliation, to connect a world astray with our holy savior, Jesus Christ, the one we worship. In Ephesians 1:11, we are reminded that through Christ, we have obtained an inheritance and have been predestined to fulfill His purposes. This predestination doesn’t just stem from a cosmic lottery; it reflects His active will, shaping and guiding the universe.
We, the Church, men and women alike, have been called to serve as vessels of God’s purpose. Our calling is akin to that of Samson. Despite his many human flaws and shortcomings, God used Samson for His divine purposes. Much like Samson, we too are imperfect beings who, in spite of our flaws, have been chosen and set apart for God’s mission.
In Ephesians 1:13, we learn that when we truly heard the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation, and believed in it, we were sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit. This is not only a promise but also a guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, ultimately serving the glory and praise of God.
Our mission is clear, we are called to follow the will of Christ, to deliver the message of the gospel. Like Samson, we are far from perfect, making countless mistakes along the way. Despite this, God chooses us, imperfect as we are, to execute His perfect plans.
Delving into the biblical account of Samson, we find that he made choices that seemed to contradict his divine calling, from choosing a Philistine woman as his wife to succumbing to the allure of Delilah. While these actions may seem counterintuitive, God, in His mysterious ways, used these very choices to further His purposes. Samson’s life serves as a stark reminder that God can use even our flawed decisions for His glory.
Often, we, like Samson, are entangled in the affairs of this world that sap our strength and divert us from our divine calling. It could be an addiction, an unhealthy relationship, a habit, or anything that keeps us from living up to our full potential in Christ. It is crucial to identify these obstacles and overcome them with God’s grace.
The story of Samson serves as a stark reminder of how easily we can fall into a deceptive comfort, believing that we are in control and can stop anytime. But the truth is, we often find ourselves ensnared by our decisions, feeling distant from God, and believing the lie that God can’t use us anymore.
However, let’s remember God’s eternal promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He’s always with us, shaping us, and seeking to turn our mistakes into lessons that glorify His name. No matter how far we feel we’ve strayed, God’s love is unfailing, and His mercy is boundless.
If you find yourself entangled in life’s troubles and feel far from God, take heart. God is not finished with you yet. The Bible reassures us that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). He desires to use our weaknesses to demonstrate His strength, to transform our shortcomings into testimonies of His grace.
Remember, Samson’s story did not end with his mistakes. Despite his failures, God’s purpose prevailed in his life. The same is true for us. Our lives, too, are a testament to God’s unfailing love and amazing grace, and no matter our struggles, we are called for a purpose: to unite all to Christ.
God’s calling for us is not a search for the flawless, but rather a pursuit of the willing. Let’s embrace our imperfections and allow God to work through us, just as He did with Samson. Together, we can fulfill the divine purpose we have been called to.
Listen to the full sermon here: https://youtu.be/kBJdAY1WxzE