Yes I Can, Part 2

INFLUENCERS ( positive or negative )

“…Bad company corrupts good character.” I Corinthians 15:33

There are many who influence our lives, like: family; a spouse; teachers; coaches; friends; and bosses. Some have left a positive impact, but others have led us in a wrong direction. One thing is certain, it is important who we allow to have influence over us, especially now.

“Some time later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah.” Judges 16:4

Samson did not pay attention to the plus or minus effect some people had on his life - delilah in particular, who: was a woman was of ill repute; a sworn enemy of his people (Philistine); had proven herself to be a snitch; and was setting him up to be captured. yet Samson stayed with her. As a powerfully gifted man, Samson probably didn’t say, ‘I can’t’ very often. But, if we surround ourselves with the wrong influences, as Samson did, they’ll eventually…

NAG US TO DEATH…

“With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death.” Judges 16:16

Nagging prods us (turns up the HEAT) to compromise our principles. It is a continuous, perpetual pressure to BREAK us down, causing us to lose SIGHT of what is important. Choosing to be with people who INSPIRE us to do what is right is the key to maintaining our strength in the LORD.

…DRAG US DOWN…

“Having put him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his hair… And his strength left him.” Judges 16:19

Delilah’s nagging was meant to lure Samson so he could be overpowered and subdued. Her prodding proved a drag on him and put him to sleep (slack / stale). When our core values are abandoned for what is easy, we end up fatigued because of the war within our self.

…AND SNAG OUR SOUL.

“The Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes… Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding in the prison.” Judges 16:21

The enemy’s plans are to blind us to our purpose in life and bind us in their shackles, which is a real grind on our soul. Even though Samson was led to a prison of despair, Judges 16:22 says, his hair began to grow again. This proves that no matter where we are, there is hope.