Then three thousand men from Judah went down to the cave of Etam and said to Samson, "Don't you realize that the Philistines are rulers over us? What have you done to us?" He answered them, "I merely did to them what they did to me." Judges 15:11
When forming an opinion about a man, I depend a great deal on his intentions, for whatever motivates someone often reflects his true character. God's intention for Samson was to confront the Philistines.
What were Samson's intentions, and why in the world did God pick him?
Though he was called by God before birth to deliver the Israelites, Samson was not a man of upstanding character. His life proved that he was driven by selfishness. His struggle with lust was apparent and eventually was his ultimate downfall. He was continually filled with anger and the desire for revenge.
Samson is not the type of man I would describe as a man of God. I have always pictured him as a massive hulk of a man, but since his strength came from God alone, it is quite possible that he was rather ordinary.
An ordinary man with several character flaws... that sounds like every man I know.
Lord, if You can use the likes of Samson, You can most certainly use me. Forgive me for thinking too little of You by depending too much on me. Fill me with Your Spirit. Make me a man who reflects Your character. Make me a man of Your intention.