Pastor Josh explores the life of Samson to show that potential alone is not enough to make an impact, character is what carries our calling.
Samson was born in extraordinary circumstances. His mother had been unable to have children, but an angel announced that she would have a son who would be set apart by God to help deliver Israel from the Philistines. Samson was given incredible strength through the Spirit of God and had everything he needed to fulfil his purpose.
Samson’s life shows what happens when character is neglected. Although he was incredibly gifted, he repeatedly made poor choices, allowing them to lead him away from God’s purposes. Eventually, his choices left him blinded and imprisoned by his enemies.
Pastor Josh encourages us not to wait until we reach a crisis before dealing with our character. Instead, we should take responsibility for who we are becoming, look to Jesus as our example and allow God to shape us to become more like Him.
Yet even in Samson’s failure, God remained faithful. His hair began to grow again, and Samson eventually turned back towards God. In his final moments, he demonstrated humility and repentance and made a greater impact than he had during much of his life. His story shows that it is never too late for God to work in us and through us.
Josh gives three practical challenges. First, take responsibility for your character. We may not choose our gifts or calling, but we can choose the kind of person we allow ourselves to become. Second, look to Jesus as the example of the character God wants to develop in us. Like following a tow truck without knowing exactly where the road leads, following Jesus means trusting Him and learning to go where He leads. Finally, do something about it now. Don’t wait for a relationship to break, trust to disappear or a crisis to arrive before addressing areas that need to change.
Josh’s final challenge is for the church to cultivate Christlike character so that our communities, families and workplaces experience the impact God has created us to carry. Character is the bridge from potential to impact.