God, Please Redeem My Life’s Story

Have you ever felt that you did something that couldn’t be forgiven? Or felt that you’ve made so many mistakes that you’re not worthy of another chance? This past week, I thought about these questions as I studied the life of Samson, how God redeemed his life’s story, and how God can redeem my life’s story, too. 

In the book of Judges, we find Samson’s story. Israel is in the process of conquering the promised land that God has blessed them to possess. However, many of the Israelites were seduced into worshipping the foreign gods of the peoples who inhabited the land. God would then respond to this apostasy by abandoning the Israelites to their sin, and they would themselves be conquered by the people groups in the promised land. Occasionally, the Israelites would realize they were wrong for worshipping foreign gods and repent. In response, God would then bless certain men and women to be able to lead the Israelites to victory against their enemies. Samson was one of those men.

Samson’s Story of Redemption

Samson was blessed with supernatural strength and was destined by God to lead the people of Israel into battle against the Philistines, a powerful enemy (Judges 13:2-5). Yet, Samson ran from his destiny and used God’s power for his own selfish ends. He ignored the advice of his parents, he pursued ungodly women, and he used his strength to seek revenge against those who wronged him. As a result, Samson ends up suffering greatly for the mistakes he made in his life. His strength was taken from him through deceit (Judges 16:4-5), and he was blinded and made to serve the Philistines.

It would seem that his life would end on a sad note. However, Samson remembered God in his distress, humbled himself, and asked God for help (Judges 16:28-31). Later, we find that he is mentioned in the book of Hebrews among those who have most faithfully served God (Hebrews 11:32). 

Perhaps, like Samson, you’ve also made a lot of mistakes in your life. My friend, it’s not too late. God loves you, and He will hear you when you cry out to Him. There is still a place for people like you and me on God’s list of faithful servants. As we pray this week, let’s ask God to redeem our life’s story, like Samson, and pray to faithfully serve Him.  

Prayer of the Week: Asking God to Redeem My Life’s Story

Dear Father, I thank you for your redemptive love. I thank you that your mercies renew themselves daily and that I can come to you with hope (Lamentations 3:22-23). I’ve lived a broken life, and I’ve made mistakes. Lord, I plead the blood of Jesus over me! I ask you to restore my life completely. Redeem my life’s story from my sin and the hands of the enemy. Help me to serve you faithfully. Lord, I let go of all condemnation (Romans 8:1). It does not come from you. Instead, I trust the redeeming work of Jesus in my life and the power of the blood to cover all my sin. 

Father, I pray that I, too, can be listed among your faithful servants one day. I thank you for encouraging stories, like Samson, that remind me that you can redeem my life’s story. And lastly, I thank you for your touch over my life. I turn it completely over to you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!