In how many ways do we doubt God? In how many ways do we underestimate Him? In how many ways are we oblivious? There is a remarkable story in Judges 13. An angel of the Lord appears to a woman and talks to her. He tells her she will bear a son and then gives her specific instructions. You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines. v. 5. Could you ever imagine an angel of God talking to you about a razor? Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean. v. 4.

She tells her husband who prays that the man of God who spoke to his wife comes again and speaks with him, also. Teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born. v. 8.

The angel of God reappeared, again to the wife who runs to get her husband. He asks the man, “Are you the man who talked to my wife?”

“I am,” he said.

“Your wife must do all that I have told her. She must not eat anything that comes from the grapevine, nor drink any wine or other fermented drink nor eat anything unclean. She must do everything I have commanded her.” v. 13.

I am. God’s name.

The husband asks, “What is your name, so that we may honor you when your word comes true?” v. 17.

And what answer does he receive in addition to what he has already been given? He replied, “Why do you ask my name? It is beyond understanding.” v. 18.

The husband then offers a young goat, with a grain offering and sacrificed it on a rock to the Lord v. 19. And what happens next as they watch? And the Lord did an amazing thing while Manoah and his wife watched: As the flame blazed up from the altar toward heaven, the angel of the Lord ascended in the flame. Seeing this Manoah and his wife fell with their faces to the ground. v. 19-20.

It’s curious to me that after conversing as they have with God, Manoah then cries out, “We are doomed to die! We have seen God!” v. 22.

I can only imagine how the wife felt. This was an impactful message for her. She who was barren would bear a son which she did and named him Samson. He grew and the Lord blessed him, and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him while he was in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol. v. 24-25.

His word came true.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 5:5.

I am, our great Creator God. His word is true. He reminded me of that this morning in prayer. I try to share His truth in this blog and all the while I still find it difficult to truly believe that He can heal my unworthiness as though the smallest particle of it could remain when I am finally with Him. His reminder to me that reduced me to tears? I am the One who cares for you. I am the One who heals all doubts and fears. I am the One who makes all things new and alive in Me. I am!

Thank you Lord…I give all glory to You, the great I am!