Judges 16:28 And Samson called unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.
After the Philistines cut Samson’s hair and took away his great strength, they put him in chains, enslaved him, and gouged out his eyes. The Philistines celebrated a great feast in the temple of Dagon, thanking their god for victory. They called up Samson to make sport (play the lyre) for the crowd. They led him to the two pillars supporting the temple. Since his strength returned, he broke down the pillars, collapsing the building, and killing 3000 people, more than he killed during his lifetime.
In his weakness, slavery, and blindness Samson called upon the Lord, repented, trusted God, and prayed for God’s strength to give him this one final exploit. And the Lord answered his prayer.
We also are in the weakness of sin and death, in slavery to sin and the devil, and in blindness to God. In this miserable state, when recognized because we are convicted by the Word and the Spirit, we call upon the Lord, repent of sin, remember God’s Gospel of grace and forgiveness, and pray for God’s deliverance, “deliver us from evil.” We believe and confess two things: 1) I am in trouble, blind, dead, and an enemy of God because of my own sin and guilt; 2) I have a Deliverer who forgives me, restores me, and gives me strength because of Christ. Therefore, I have the confidence to pray for help in time of need. Jesus hears and responds, forgives and delivers, and grants wholeness and strength. Jesus overcomes the Enemy and assures us of victory.