Samson ruled Israel and repeatedly helped them defeat their enemies (the Philistines) over many years. But Samson had a weakness for sexual sin – sleeping with women he wasn't married to. Delilah, one of these women, kept asking him the secret of his great strength in order to hand him over to the Philistines. In his pride, Samson thought he was invincible. In a weak moment, Samson gave away the secret of his strength. As a result, he was defeated, captured, blinded, and imprisoned by his enemies.

Don't throw everything away in a moment like Samson did. Do not think that many years of obedience will keep you from consequences. God warns, “When I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, but he trusts in his own righteousness and commits iniquity, none of his righteous works shall be remembered; but because of the iniquity that he has committed, he shall die.” (Ezekiel 33:13 NKJV)

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank You for the blood of Jesus that has aligned my will and my walk with truth and righteousness. Remember that I am but dust. Let me never lose the fear of God or trust in my own righteousness. Warn me by Your Holy Spirit to keep paths far from sexual sin and such other sins to which pride opens doors. Help me keep those doors closed and not throw everything away in a moment. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

The enemy likes to trap us with surprise moments of decision. He tries to catch us off guard and goes in for the attack. Our best defense for this is to stay close to God daily. When we truly devote ourselves to the Lord, we will receive the strength to stand against the enemy.

Make a list of some ways you can grow closer to your Heavenly Father. Start with one point on your list and grow in that area, then add another each time you feel ready. You’ll be amazed by God’s strength in you.