It is clear that the birth of Samson was a miracle. God sent an angel twice to speak to his parents. His mother had to consecrate herself to carry him in her womb. Samson himself was a Nazirite, meaning he was dedicated to God. And every time he had to battle, it is evident that the Spirit of God descended upon him, stirring him and granting him victory over his adversaries. His strength came from there. Samson was a servant of God, furthermore, he was a son of the tribe of Dan.

However, throughout his ministry, we only see him in communion with God in prayer twice. The first time was when he was thirsty, and he called upon the Lord, saying, “You have granted this great salvation by the hand of your servant, and shall I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?” (Judges 15:18). The second time was when he wanted to avenge the Philistines, and he prayed, “Lord God, please remember me, and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.” (Judges 16:28).

Often, like Samson, many rely solely on their potential, abilities, relationships, anointing, diplomas, or bank accounts for success. The problem with those who have received special abilities from God is that they tend to neglect communion with the God who gave them those abilities. What will destroy your anointing is maintaining communion with the anointing without maintaining communion with its Giver. Success is not guaranteed. We should never rely on our past accomplishments, diplomas, or current knowledge to rest in self-sufficiency and stop seeking God’s refreshing.

Unfortunately, this generation is filled with Josephs who remain in Potiphar’s house, reigning as the concubine of Potiphar’s wife, thus missing out on the reign of the royal palace. They settle for the crumbs they have today and miss out on the greatness that awaits them tomorrow.

Just as fish can only survive in water and plants can only thrive on land, your gifts and ministry will only thrive in your communion with the One who called you. Your talent will not thrive only in its regular exercise but also in communion with the One who placed it within you. Always return to the One who sent you.

Furthermore, we observe that the only times Samson prayed, it was for his own needs. He only prayed when he had problems. Prayer should not be just a backup plan in times of trouble but first and foremost a permanent means of maintaining our communion with God. You should not pray only to prepare a sermon or a service; you should do it primarily to stay connected to God.

Samson was a judge in Israel, meaning he was a leader of the people. Since Joshua, the servant of Moses, God had not established a leader over His people. He raised men and women within the people whom He filled with supernatural abilities to lead the people, primarily in wars and conquests.

However, we never see Samson taking the initiative and going to fight the Philistines for the people. Every time it happened, it was either for purely personal reasons or through circumstances created by the Lord. This mirrors the behavior of many ministers of God today who prioritize their ministry over their relationship with the Lord in order to gain public recognition or display themselves on social media.

We only retire for our own glory in ministry. Remember this: the anointing will only remain on you to the extent that you remain in the position in which it found you the first time. It found you on your knees in prayer? Maintain a prayerful life.

Samson had blind confidence in his strength and not in his God. That’s why when his God left him, he didn’t even know it. “And she said, ‘The Philistines are upon you, Samson!’ And he awoke from his sleep and said, ‘I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.’ But he did not know that the Lord had left him.” (Judges 16:20).

Many are so out of touch with the Holy Spirit that even when He is grieved and departs from their lives, they don’t notice. They see only the glory around them, the success of their ministry, the crowds that come, the miracles that happen, the children being born, the opportunities multiplying, the income increasing, the businesses growing, but they do not realize that the God who gave all this is no longer there. Tell me, what is more important in your life? The Gift or the Giver? Did God save you in Jesus to be in communion with Him or with His gifts? Did God save us to be in communion with Him or with His blessings?

This text is an excerpt from the book “5 THINGS THAT DESTROYED SAMSON’S MINISTRY” PROPHET JOËL FRANCIS TATU.