The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Judges 14:1-4, “Then Samson went down to Timnah and saw a woman in Timnah, one of the daughters of the Philistines.
2 So he came back and told his father and mother, ‘I saw a woman in Timnah, one of the daughters of the Philistines; now therefore, get her for me as a wife.’
3 Then his father and his mother said to him, ‘Is there no woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?’ But Samson said to his father, ‘Get her for me, for she looks good to me.’
4 However, his father and mother did not know that it was of the LORD, for He was seeking an occasion against the Philistines. Now at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel.”

The times of Samson were quite different from our day. In fact, Samson’s parents were undoubtedly shocked when he asked them to do what was necessary for him to have the Philistine woman he desired as his wife.

What Samson’s parents did not know –and what Samson himself may not have known– was that the LORD had a plan – a plan that possibly none of them knew. What may be of even more interest are the many “topsy-turvy” things in Samson’s life.

We immerse ourselves in the Word of God, seeking His will. We pray earnestly in order that His will might be made known to us; yet, nothing seems clear. Still, the LORD Himself is at work throughout our meager efforts.

Samson endured tremendous trials and sufferings –so much so, that it would be easy to doubt that the LORD even had a plan for his life. Just read on. Through all the twists and turns Samson encountered, in the end, it is revealed that the LORD had never abandoned him! His accomplishments were of the LORD’s divine design. So it is for all of His children!

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and
do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and
He will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear
the LORD and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your body and refreshment
to your bones” (Prov. 3:5-8).

Don’t despair! The LORD is always there! And you are always in His care, if your life is committed to Him.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom