go back and eat the honey

Judges 14: 8-9, NIV
Some time later, when he went back to marry her, he turned aside to look at the lion’s carcass, and in it he saw a swarm of bees and some honey. He scooped out the honey with his hands and ate as he went along. When he rejoined his parents, he gave them some, and they too ate it.

How often do we experience a victory but forget to celebrate it?

With the supernatural strength the Lord gave him Samson destroyed a lion, but rather than take a moment to consider exactly what had been achieved he rushed on to the next thing he wanted to do. It was only some time later he happened to pass by the dead lion and benefitted from the honey the bees had made.

Of course, the lion’s carcass wouldn’t have rotted down immediately and the building of a hive and collection of enough nectar to create honey would have taken time. Samson couldn’t realistically have waited in the place of that particular victory forever. But, this story suggests there is value in remembering our successes and celebrating our wins.

I wonder if today you have been so focussed on moving forward you’ve forgotten to celebrate your previous triumphs. Why not take time today to ask God to remind you of your successes and his part in them? Then, thank him for the strength he has given you to overcome, to endure, and to win! Go back and eat the honey, there is strength to be found in feeding on God’s faithfulness.

Let's pray
Thank you, Jesus, that your victory on the cross means I overcome by your blood and the word of my testimony. I have so many things - big and small - to celebrate today. I choose to walk in the truth that because of your love I am more than a conqueror. I bless you, Lord. Amen.