Reflection
Today's readings span from the flawed heroism of Samson to the triumphant resurrection of Jesus. In Judges, we witness God working through deeply flawed individuals like Samson, who despite his moral failings, was used by God to begin delivering Israel from the Philistines. In Psalm 146, we find beautiful praise for God's faithfulness and his care for the vulnerable. And in Luke 24, we encounter the pinnacle of God's redemptive plan in Christ's resurrection and his appearance to disciples whose faith needed restoration.

The key insight we can draw from these passages is this: God accomplishes His purposes even through flawed vessels, and ultimately brings redemption and restoration through Jesus Christ.

Let's break this down into a simple principle we can apply:

Trust in God's power to work through your weaknesses and His ability to transform disappointment into hope.

Here are five practical steps we can take to apply today's readings:

1. Recognize your potential: Like Samson, acknowledge that God has gifted you for His purposes, regardless of your past failures.

2. Shift your dependence: Psalm 146 warns against trusting in human leaders. Where might you need to transfer your trust from people to God?

3. Examine your blindness: The disciples on the road to Emmaus didn't recognize Jesus. What spiritual blindness might be keeping you from seeing Christ at work in your life?

4. Share your encounters: The disciples who met Jesus immediately told others. Who needs to hear about your encounters with Christ?

5. Look for Jesus in Scripture: Jesus opened the disciples' minds to understand the Scriptures. Approach Bible reading expecting to encounter Jesus.

As you go about your day, reflect on this question: How might God be using your circumstances—even your failures or disappointments—to accomplish His greater purposes?

Conclusion
Thank you for joining me today. From Samson's flawed strength to Christ's resurrection power, we see God's remarkable ability to work through human weakness to accomplish divine purposes. No matter how inadequate you may feel, or how difficult your circumstances, God is at work writing a redemption story. Until tomorrow, may you walk in the confidence that comes from trusting the God who raises the dead and brings hope from despair.