God Made You for a Purpose: Samson's Story Begins

Hey, carpooling with Jesus family. Imagine if Jesus was riding along with you on your way to school. What kind of things would he share with you? What advice would he give? I'm Pastor Justin, and today we're starting a brand new week talking about Samson. Now, one of our listeners out in South Carolina requested Samson, and I realized I have never done an episode on it. So we're gonna do a whole week because I love the story of Samson. But before we meet him, we're actually gonna meet his mom and dad. Here's the one thing I want you to remember. God gives us strength to do what he calls us to do. The verse we're looking at is out of the Book of Judges, chapter 13 verse five. Judges is in the Old Testament, and here's what it says. You will get pregnant and have a son. He will take the lead in delivering Israel. That verse comes from a moment when an angel visits Samson's parents, people who couldn't have children, and brings incredible news. They weren't just going to have a child, they were gonna have a child with a calling on their life. Samson would be set apart by God to help lead and rescue his people from all the enemies around them. His life wasn't gonna be ordinary. It was gonna be marked by purpose and power, all directed by God. Before his first breath, God had a plan for him, just like he has a plan for each one of us. If Jesus were there, he'd say you were made on purpose for a purpose. God didn't make mistakes with Samson and he doesn't make mistakes with you. He designed you with love, care, and intention. He knows everything about you, even how tall you'll grow, your laugh, your strengths, your favorite color, and yes, even the number of hairs on your head. You are fully known and fully loved. One time my friend Ethan was picked for a school play even before the auditions. Why? Because the teacher knew his voice was perfect for the part. Samson was like that. God picked him even before he was born, and just like Ethan and just like Samson, you have been picked too. Maybe you haven't discovered your big calling yet, but that doesn't mean God hasn't already planned something awesome for you and your life. So today, remember, God has something awesome for you and awesome for your life. You are not an accident. You're chosen. God wasn't busy when he was making you. He was focused. You were made on purpose, just like Samson. There's something special about you that God can use to help others. Your personality, your talents, and even your kindness are all part of God's plan for your life. Think about what God might want to do through you this week at home or at school in small ways, whether you're good at art or sports, you're a servant who loves cleaning up or helping keep things organized, building things or encouraging others. Those things matter. God wants to use all of them for good, so let's go live like we believe it. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Parents, if you love this podcast, share it with the kids pastor at your church. We love being a resource to churches nationwide. Before you go ask each other this, what skills, talents, or abilities are you thankful to God that he gave you? I'll see you tomorrow on carpooling with Jesus.