Samson was a miracle child (Judges 13:2–25). A gift of God to   and his barren wife, he was endowed by God with special power to fulfill divine purposes. God used Samson to defeat the Philistines, the sworn enemies of Israel, and to establish God’s purpose for His people. Samson saw in life how God could give power to His chosen ones to experience His guidance and deliverance, such as when he tore apart an attacking lion, using no tools but his bare hands (Judges 14:5, 6).

In life, we confront Samson-like situations. Life without struggles, without dangers, is never promised in God’s plan. We continually face perils and challenges, some of which may be simple and others equivalent to facing lions. Whatever life’s incidents and accidents, it is for us to discover God’s purposes behind them.

Satan knew that Samson had weaknesses and flaws in his character and endeavored to exploit them. While preparing for a wedding feast to marry a Philistine girl, a marriage his parents had not approved, Samson faced another challenge. A band of 30 people came to him. Their objective was to watch him, and possibly trap him, and carry out their negative mission. Apparently realizing their sinister motive, Samson gave them a riddle to solve as a test: “‘Out of the eater came something to eat, And out of the strong came something sweet’” (Judges 14:14, NKJV). The riddle, coming out of his personal encounter and victory over a lion, was used as a warning message to them: out of difficult circumstances (an attack by a lion) can come blessings (tasting something as sweet as honey).

We often face in life fierce and terrifying situations. We may not confront a lion, but we often encounter trials for which we feel inadequate and sufferings that are unbearable. How should we deal with them?

First, “fear not.” That’s how the Bible begins its message on what to do in life’s scary emergencies. (See Genesis 15:1; 21:17; Revelation 1:17, etc.) Life has never promised us a comfortable journey. Unexcepted, unknown, and often sudden, challenges and perils pounce on us like lions, and when they do, they upset our plans and goals. Whatever the lion we face may be, we are not left alone, even though we may suffer bruises. Help is at hand and available to all who claim it.

Second, face your lions with God. Samson’s victory in facing the lion was through the power of God—facing boldly and resolutely, The Spirit of the Lord came upon him and enabled him to overcome the terrifying beast.

Therefore, claim the courage to face the lion, by knowing Jesus, studying His Word, and claiming His promises. He can us save us from all enemies, including lions. His is always the victory. Face the lion, aligning yourself with the greatest force you have in your arsenal to fight the enemy. In Christ, we have everything we need to sustain us.

Adapted article by Hudson Kibuuka, Associate Director of the General Conference, Department of Education Original article can be read here