Little is known about Rahab, except that she was a prostitute and crafty liar, born and raised in Israel’s enemy’s territory. Because her inn was by Jericho’s city walls, she offered her assistance to allow Israel’s spies into the city.

Samson is an altogether different story. The angel of the Lord announced his birth. He was set apart as a Nazarite — a man dedicated to God’s service and to help accomplish his plan for the Jews. After 40 years of Philistine oppression, he would be the next judge in Israel, and his mission was to defeat its enemy.

Because Rahab was a lying prostitute and Samson ultimately gave up his divine favor, strength and honor, we tend to see them as failures. Indeed, because of their life story, it would be easy to regard the “Hall of Faith” mention of their names as a conundrum.

But interestingly, the New Testament does not mention either Rahab or Samson’s stories as failures. Instead, they are praised in Hebrews and other texts in the New Testament for their acts of faith. In the end, God fulfilled His ultimate purpose for Rahab and Samson, regardless of their fiascos.

[bctt tweet=”The New Testament does not mention either Rahab or Samson’s stories as failures. Instead, they are praised in Hebrews and other texts in the New Testament for their acts of faith. In the end, God fulfilled His ultimate purpose for Rahab and Samson, regardless of their fiascos.” username=”PatHolbrook”]

Rahab was instrumental in Israel’s victory in Jericho. She also became a relative of Boaz and thus an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.

Likewise, as announced by the angel to his parents, Samson indeed began to rescue Israel from the Philistines when God granted his final wish. While 3,000 men and women gathered to offer a sacrifice unto their god Dagon for delivering the mighty man of Israel into their hands, God heard Samson’s prayer and restored his strength. While tied to the temple pillars as a prisoner, he pushed the structure and sacrificed himself to kill his people’s enemies.

The end of a year is hardly a time of indifference when contemplating one’s progress in life. We often face the last days of a year with either joy or a sense of defeat. We either look back and think ofthe many opportunities we wasted or rejoice by the many steps we took in the right direction. The issue with the former is that fixing our eyes on “what could have been” is hardly the attitude that will prompt us into the new year with the right mindset.

[bctt tweet=”The end of a year is hardly a time of indifference when contemplating one’s progress in life. We often face the last days of a year with either joy or a sense of defeat. Here’s an article on the @AJC about not letting our past failures define our future” username=”PatHolbrook”]

It may be that, like me, you did not cross off too many goals in your to-do list in 2021. It could be that the job is still the same, even though you had promised yourself that you were going to look for greener pastures this year. Or it could be that you had ambitious health and fitness goals on Jan. 1 and now contemplate the same (or worse) reflection in the mirror. It could be that certain relationships remain strained or that the prodigal child still wanders away from home.

If that is you, may Rahab and Samson’s stories give you hope and perspective as the new year dawns.

Instead of contemplating January with skepticism because of past failures, may we look ahead with the certainty that God can turn even our most significant weaknesses around and give us new strength to finish the dreams He birthed within our hearts.

“The One who calls you by name is trustworthy and will thoroughly complete His work in you.” the Apostle Paul, First Thessalonians, chapter 5 (The Passion Translation)

Patricia Holbrook is a columnist, author, blogger and international speaker. Visit her website www.soaringwithHim.com to learn about her speaking ministry, Bible studies and book. For speaking engagements and comments, email pholbrook@soaringwithHim.com.

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, January 1, 2022. Click HERE to find it on the AJC’s website.

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[bctt tweet=”LINKUP is open! This week, I share my column about the danger of allowing past mistakes or failures to influence our determination to fulfill our goals for the New year. Join us and share your blog!” username=”PatHolbrook”]