And the men of the city said to him on the seventh day before the sun went down, “What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?” And he said to them, “If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have found out my riddle.” And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon and struck down thirty men of the town and took their spoil and gave the garments to those who had told the riddle. In hot anger he went back to his father’s house. And Samson’s wife was given to his companion, who had been his best man.
Judges 14:20
LORD, the stressors of life can become so great that I am tempted to take advantage of the vulnerable positions of others in order to get ahead. The results of these actions is never good, resulting in lives broken, relationships disrupted, and me acting out of character, bringing shame to Your Name. LORD, help me not to want to win so much that I am willing to take advantage of the weaknesses of others. Help me not to be the type of person that is willing to manipulate others in order to get ahead. It is my prayer that You would enable me to deal with everyone with integrity, treating them not only as I would want to be treated, but more so like the image bearers of God that they are. Show me the potential consequences of my actions and give me the courage to resist acting out, enabling me to demonstrate a level of control that reflects that I am guided by Your Spirit. Though I do not doubt that You can use even my most inadequate responses for good, remind me daily that I am an ambassador of Jesus Christ, called by Him to proclaim the goodness of the LORD in humility and meekness. It is not about me nor my ego. It is and always will be about You. Keep that truth ever before me so that I might aspire in all of my interactions to represent You well. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.