What Do Oprah Winfrey and the Biblical Character, Sampson Have in Common?

Have you ever noticed that being strong in one area of your life does not necessarily have a cross-over effect? You can be totally competent in one area of your life and be the complete opposite in another. This point became even more apparent to me as I was  reading about the story of Samson in  Judges 13-16.

His story reminded me of the cover of one of the tabloid magazines I perused was while standing in line at the checkout counter. It said ‘Oprah 200 lbs- “How Could I Let this Happen Again.'”

Many of us can identify with Oprah. You’re on a roll; you’re doing  so well-it seems like you’ve finally kicked this weigh thing (or other issue) and then BAM-you start again on that all too familiar slippery slope and the next thing you know it you’ve sabotaged yourself again. You feel like victory will never be yours.

Like Samson in the bible, you would think that Oprah would be the least likely person to fail. Samson seemed to have everything for him. He was dedicated to God from birth, he possessed incredible strength and had amazing parents.

Oprah has personal chefs; personal assistants and personal trainers at her disposal 24 hours a day. If anyone should be able keep weight off it should be Oprah, right? Yet both of these ‘giants’  were (are) not able to move past their appetites.

So the question becomes, “what are us mere mortals to do?” If these powerhouses could not control their flesh, then what chance do we have?

That’s the point I’m learning and teaching others; WE DON’T STAND A CHANCE against our appetites and sensual desires. We really are powerless to change ourselves. God wants us to draw our strength from Him and not in just one or two areas of our life but in every single area– Especially the areas that seem impossible.

We often deceive ourselves by  believing that if only you could afford a personal trainer or if only you had the time to make the right foods then you would lose weight.

It’s not about trying harder it’s about giving God full reign of our lives. With His guidance, an organized plan and some accountability you can have success finally and forever!

Despite his strengths, Samson played by his own rules. He violated many of God’s laws, he was controlled by his flesh and he confided in the wrong people. Can you see how you also may not be totally submitted to God?

It’s never too late to start over. Learn from Samson (and Oprah) and submit your weight release to God. He is more than able to  handle it.

Until Next Week,