“Then Samson called to the LORD and said, ‘Lord God remember me and strengthen me only once, O God, so that with this one act of revenge I may pay back the Philistines for my two eyes.’” Wesleyan Life Application Topic – Temptation

Temptations often begin with small acts of defiance that seem insignificant. As we give into such temptation, however, we find ourselves straying further and further away from God and becoming more susceptible to the next temptation. Before long, we are deeply entrenched in a life of sin with serious consequences. We, like Samson, become unaware of our separation from God and seek to rely on our own strength, only to be defeated by our enemies. Just as God restored Samson’s strength when he called out to the Lord, God is extending grace to us, giving us hope and restoration. (Wesley Study Bible, pg 318) This Monday after Easter, my prayer is that I not give in to temptations that would separate me from the gains in relationship with God realized during the Lenten season. That I not refuse the grace God extends.