For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Samson loses his great strength — but discovers that God gives second chances, even to those who mess up.
Today's Story
Samson's secret was that his strength came from God, shown by his never-cut hair — the sign that he belonged to God. But Samson grew careless. A woman named Delilah kept begging him to tell her the secret of his strength, and finally, foolishly, he told her: his hair had never been cut.
While Samson slept, his hair was cut off. And when he woke up, his great strength was gone, because he had given away the special sign that he belonged to God. The Philistines captured him, and Samson was helpless and sad. He had made some poor choices, and now he was in trouble.
But here's the hopeful part: as time passed, Samson's hair slowly began to grow back. And more importantly, Samson turned his heart back to God. One day, when his enemies were mocking God, Samson prayed humbly: “O Lord, please remember me. Please give me strength just one more time.”
And God, who is full of mercy, heard Samson's prayer! He gave him strength one last time to rescue God's people. Even after all Samson's mistakes, God still heard him. That's the wonderful truth: God gives second chances.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Samson lost his strength when he was careless with what belonged to God. What “special” things should we be careful to protect?
- Even after his mistakes, Samson turned back to God, and God heard him. How does it feel to know God gives second chances?
- God answered Samson's humble prayer. Why is it good to turn back to God when we've messed up?