12/14/2025
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Saturday, December 13, 2025
Let's Talk Devotional: "When Strength Meets Surrender"
Story: Betrayed… But Not Broken
I have to admit… this might be one of the funniest and most painful stories of my childhood all at the same time.
I was about nine or ten, playing in a Saturday morning bowling league at Roxy Ann Lanes. After bowling, Mom picked me up and brought me home to Eastwood Drive. As soon as I arrived, I saw all my buddies—Jay Reese, Curt Weaver, Time Anderson and others—walking around with some brand new KYJC radio swag. Frisbees. Hats. Shirts. You name it.
I said, “Where did you guys get all this stuff?” Of course, my brother Russ jumped in—because that’s what twin brothers do—and said,
“Oh, KYJC is broadcasting live over at Medford Heights. All you have to do is tell the DJ you have white socks on.”
That’s it? Free swag for white socks? Count me in.
So we rode our bikes over and I walked into the clubhouse (the others waiting outside looking through the glass) right in front of the realtor, the buyers, and everyone else—and waited for the DJ to finish cueing a record. When he looked up, I confidently said:
“Hey mister… I got white socks on.” He looked at me, smiled politely, and said,
“Well… that’s great.”
Nothing...No swag...No Frisbee...Not even a sticker.
So I tried again. And again.
By the third time, he probably thought I wasn’t all the way put together, and he leaned down and said,
“Well, did you put them on yourself? They look very nice.”
That’s when it hit me. I’d been set up and betrayed by my own twin brother.
I rode my bike home crying, and Mom and Dad made sure Russ “got the judgment of the Lord.” But here’s what stands out: being betrayed hurts. It makes you feel tricked, powerless, and foolish. This is exactly why Samson’s story hits so deeply.
Connection to Samson
Samson was chosen by God, called from birth, and strong beyond anything human. But betrayal got him too—not by a prank, but by something far more dangerous: his own desires.
Delilah didn’t show up with white socks on, she showed up with beauty, charm, and seduction.
Samson’s lowered his guard down and his little compromise led to a big collapse.
Eventually, he was betrayed, captured, blinded, and forced to grind grain in a Philistine prison—knocked down physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
But just like my childhood story didn’t end with betrayal… Samson’s story didn’t end with defeat either.
Scripture says something powerful:
“And his hair began to grow again…” — Judges 16:22
But this wasn’t just about hair, it was about HOPE. Because Samson’s strength didn’t return because of hair—it returned because of humility.
In the darkness of that prison, Samson prayed one simple prayer:
“Lord, remember me.”
And God did.
Samson’s greatest victory came after his greatest failure. Strength returned. Purpose returned. God wasn’t done with him....And He’s not done with you either.
Hope Spark:
Betrayal may knock you down. Failure may blind you for a season.
Shame may try to chain you. But God still specializes in comebacks.
Walk It Out:
Ask the Lord today:
“Where have I compromised?”
“What small decisions are leading me the wrong direction?”
“What do I need to surrender back to You?”
ROC Tip of the Day:
Stay in the game.
Your greatest strength comes when you stop fighting God and start trusting Him.
