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Crowned Hornbill, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Photo by Charles F. Stanley.
Daily Devotion

Uncontrolled Weakness

Our flaws can wreck our life or drive us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Lord.

January 10, 2026

Judges 14:1-20

The book of Judges tells of Samson, a man so powerful he could kill a lion with his bare hands (14:5-6). He possessed physical strength unequaled by any human being. But this could not compensate for an inner weakness.

All of us have such areas of fallibility. God wants these imperfections to teach us how dependent we are upon Him. Addressing them according to the Lord’s wisdom and guidance will drive us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.

Samson’s issue was lust. Although he was raised by devout parents and had a clear calling in life, he gave in to his desires. Despite Nazirite laws, Samson pursued first one Philistine woman (v. 2) and later another, named Delilah (Judges 16:4). Even though Delilah’s motives were blatantly treacherous, he gave himself over—heart, mind, and spirit—to her and sinned.

Before he died, Samson lost everything: his strength, eyesight, and honor. The man who once led his country mightily became a slave to his enemies until God empowered him one final time (Judges 16:25-30).

A proclivity for a certain sin can ruin our life—or it can drive us to utter dependence on God. What a blessing to know He will always help us when we rely on Him for guidance.

Bible in One Year: Genesis 32-35

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