Telling Samson’s Story

Millions are familiar with the biblical epic of Samson, the divinely empowered champion of Israel who finds himself torn between God’s destiny for his life and his desire for a woman with a secret. But how many know the profound details of his redemptive journey and final freedom? The New York Times best-selling author of Fireproof, Facing The Giants and nearly 20 other acclaimed books, master storyteller Eric Wilson, is uniquely qualified to chronicle the gripping and inspiring biblical epic of a man chosen, betrayed, then redeemed, in the new novel, Samson (Pure Flix Books/Charisma House, January 9, 2018), a novelization based on the Pure Flix major motion picture release of the same name, in theaters February 16, 2018.

Samson is based on the powerful, biblical epic of a champion chosen by God to deliver Israel. His supernatural strength and impulsive decisions pit him against the oppressive Philistine empire. After being betrayed by a wicked prince and a beautiful temptress, Samson is captured and blinded by his enemies. Samson calls upon his God once more for supernatural strength and turns imprisonment and blindness into final victory.

Wilson shares about why he enjoyed telling Samson’s story.

“I was thrilled to tell Samson’s story. We can all relate to what a mess we can make of things at times, and here is a narrative of one of the Bible’s biggest mess-ups. I didn’t realize how much writing this book would challenge me personally, emotionally, and spiritually. It is a story as timely as anything in today’s headlines.”

This new novel illuminates the scriptural account of Samson to help readers at once understand one of the most famous biblical stories of the Old Testament on a deeper level and inspire them to realize that life’s failures need not define their future.

 “Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Put me where I can feel the pillars that support the temple, so that I may lean against them.” Now the temple was crowded with men and women; all the rulers of the Philistines were there, and on the roof were about three thousand men and women watching Samson perform. Then Samson prayed to the Lord,“Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.”  Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other  Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.” Judges 16:26-30

Risen Reflections

Live out your strengths. God has given each of us strengths that He wants us to use to glorify Him. It could be a talent, character trait or experience. Ask a friend, small group leader or pastor to help you identify what your strengths are. Sometimes it is easier for others to tell us qualities they see in us than for us to identify it ourselves. Pray and ask God how He wants you to use your strengths and abilities for His kingdom.

Be aware of your weaknesses. A weakness is often a strength magnified. It can be something that we do well but maybe we don’t know how to set boundaries or we have become prideful or arrogant of what we can do. Step back and reflect on what your weaknesses are. Ask a friend or small group member to hold you accountable if there are places or activities that you need to avoid that trigger a weakness. It might lead you to make some poor decisions.

Find balance. God often surrounds us with friends and family who balance out our strength and weaknesses. What one person may struggle with, another may be great at it. Use it as an opportunity to learn and teach one another. The body of Christ is made up of many parts. Each of us needs one another in order to function. God does not want us to act independently from one another. While it can be easier in the short run, we risk the opportunity of not growing in an experience.