Judges 15:14–19 (KJV)
One of the most striking things about the life of Samson is the deep tension between his divine calling and his personal weakness. Here is a man handpicked by God, filled with supernatural strength, and yet constantly driven by his own desires.
From the beginning, we see Samson’s struggle. In Judges 13, when he dwelt between Zorah and Eshtaol, we’re told “the Lord blessed him”—a phrase we never hear again after he leaves that place. That’s important. He abandons the path God marked for him to pursue what he wants. He travels to Timnath, a place known for vineyards—completely off-limits to a Nazarite like Samson (see Judges 13:7, Numbers 6). There, he insists on marrying a woman his parents warn him against (Judges 14:3). Over and over, Samson places his desires over God’s direction.
And yet, despite his self-serving decisions, God still uses him. In Judges 15, the Spirit of the Lord empowers Samson to slay a thousand Philistines with nothing but the jawbone of a donkey—an object that should’ve been unclean for him to even touch. But what does Samson do after the battle? He names the place Ramathlehi, or Jawbone Hill, giving credit to the tool rather than the God who gave him the victory.
Soon after, he’s dying of thirst and cries out to God—not in humility, but with entitlement: “You’ve given me this great victory, and now I’m going to die of thirst?” Even after God miraculously provides water, Samson again names the place not in God’s honor, but after himself—Enhakkore, “the well of him who cried out.”
This is a man ruled by self, constantly minimizing God’s hand in his life. Victory after victory, and yet he walks as if he's been defeated. How often do we do the same?
A Different Response: Acts 2
Now contrast Samson with the early church in Acts 2. The Holy Spirit descends, and Peter preaches a bold sermon. Over 3,000 people are saved—a day we celebrate as the birth of the church.
But take a deeper look. Pentecost was one of three feasts where all Jewish men were expected to travel to Jerusalem. At the time, there were around 7 million Jews globally—meaning roughly 3.5 million men were supposed to be in attendance. Even if only a third showed up, 3,000 converts would represent less than one-tenth of a percent—perhaps just 1 in 400. By statistical standards, that’s a tiny return.
Yet, this “small” result becomes the foundation of one of the most transformative movements in history. Why? Because the early believers didn’t focus on what they lacked. They focused on what God had given them—and they were grateful.
What about you?
So ask yourself: Are you like Samson, quick to claim credit and quicker to complain, even in the face of victory? Or are you like the early church—faithful with the little, grateful for the small beginnings, and trusting God with the rest?
We all have moments where we feel let down by the numbers, the outcomes, the applause we didn’t receive. But real victory isn’t always in the metrics—it’s in the obedience. It’s in acknowledging God, even when the wins feel small.
One kind of person tears others down—even in good times. The other builds others up—even when things are tough.
Which one are you becoming?