#soap # Judges 15 ## Title: Great Trouble is the Ground For Great Victory ## Scripture: (Judges 15:20) “Samson led Israel for 20 years during the days of Philistine prominence.” (NET) ## Observation: Samson did not rise up during times of peace. Warriors are made for a time of battle. If you ever study history, you will be surprised to see something. Every time a nation or even the world goes through times of chaos, there is someone who stands up and leads them out… or at least tries. Great struggles galvanize people to do great things. It is possible these great people are alive in every generation. There is just no need for them to rise up during their lifetime. Difficult times make strong people. Therefore, when bad times come, we should always allow ourselves to be disappointed. However, we are not discouraged. God knows all and can use them to strengthen us so we can bring Him glory. ## Application: See every difficulty as a time to stand strong. ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for knowing the end from the beginning. We trust that if we are alive now, You have a purpose for us now.