‘Please tell me what makes your strength so great…’ Judges 16:6
The strength of Samson was legendary.
Its greatness came from beyond himself; it was a supernatural strength. Samson’s strength wasn’t the result of his own efforts or training – it was a gift.
Faith is a lot like Samson’s strength.
It’s not something that we earn. We can’t stir up our own faith or gain it by the force of our own will. Saving faith is a gift.
What is the secret of faith’s great strength? It lies in its very essence – it is an emanation of divine grace, an overflowing of the heart of God. Faith is born from an immutable promise from God’s own lips.
Faith says, "My God could not have given me this promise, except with love and grace; therefore it is certain that His Word will be fulfilled." Faith remembers who gave the promise. Its author is God who cannot lie, God omnipotent, God immutable! She remembers why the promise was given -- for God's glory, and she is perfectly sure that God's glory is safe. He will never stain his own robes, nor mar the luster of his own crown; and therefore, His promise must and will stand!
Faith then considers the amazing work of Christ -- the clear proof of the Father's intention to fulfill his word.
"He that spared not his own Son, but freely delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"
Moreover, faith looks back on past experience, at the battles that have strengthened her, and victories that have given her courage. She remembers that God has never failed her; that He has never once failed any of his children. She recalls times of terrible peril when deliverance came; hours of awful need when her strength was equal to the day, and she cries, "No, I will never believe that He can change and leave me now. Until now the Lord has never failed to help me, and he will help me still." Great faith views every promise in the light of the promise-giver and cries out with full assurance:
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life!"
Saving faith is the most unshakable of God’s creative works.
It will stand in unwavering fidelity through all eternity. More steady and enduring than the orbits of stars and planets; far stronger than the strength of Samson.
For therein is revealed the righteousness of God from faith unto faith: as it is written, 'But the righteous shall live by faith.' -- Romans 1:17Â
*Adapted from: Spurgeon's Morning and Evening, July 8th