To Die is Gain

Judges 16:28

"Then Samson prayed to the LORD, "O Sovereign LORD, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more,"

"Punishment has a way of humbling us. Samson must have been a pitiable sight—weak as any other man, blind, reduced to performing menial work. As he worked day after day, he would certainly have time in his Philistine captivity to brood over the events of his life. Perhaps his prayer to God, even though centered on a desire to pay back his captors for what they had done to him, shows evidence of repentance, of a readiness to be God's instrument for defeating a people who had so long oppressed his own. Whatever the case, God heard the last words he spoke and granted his prayer, making him even more effective in death than he had been in life."

Philippians 1:15-26

"It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me."

Father, thank You that the plans and purpose of your heart stand firm forever. Help us to be in complete alignment with Your plans for our lives. If we waver, then bring us back, no matter what it takes. Use the hard things in our lives to shape us so that we can be used however and whenever you intend. In Jesus Name, in Whom we live and breathe and have our being. Amen.

~10.10.2013