At that time, the Philistines were in control of Israel, and the Lord wanted to stir up trouble for them. That’s why he made Samson desire that woman. – Judges 14:4
God made Samson desire something that was ‘wrong’.
Maybe “made” is too awkward a word. The KJV says that Samson wanting a Philistine bride was “of the Lord, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines”.
In other words, God wanted Samson to want to marry those who were the enemies of God. Just as He wanted (and commanded) Hosea to marry a prostitute.
Just as His Son Jesus wanted to marry a bride who would whip Him, flog Him, and nail Him to a tree in a Roman crucifixion.
Strange, ‘wrong’ desires that were orchestrated and facilitated by God.
This is not about being tempted to sin. Scripture is clear. James 1:13
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man: – James 1:13
This is about the strange and “weird” desires that don’t fit with people’s expectations…and represent areas of weakness and vulnerability in your life.
Whether he liked it or not, Samson had a weakness for the Philistine women…and this predilection for the fairer sex of the Philistines, was approved of by God.
Why? Because it served a Divine purpose.
Why do you like who you like? Why are you turned on by what turns you on? Why are you curious about the things you’re curious about? Why do you want things that others think are outrageous/unnecessary/inferior to familiar alternatives?
It’s by Divine purpose. All of it.
That’s how awesome and unboxable the Lord is…because He uses things that we think He would abhor or disapprove of to accomplish His purposes.
This is way beyond the issue of sin and being given a license to do whatever we want. “Shall we keep on sinning that grace may abound? God forbid”. (Romans 6:16)
This is about acknowledging the areas where we are weak, vulnerable and full of strange desires…accepting them as part of who we are…and then bringing them to God for use in His divine purpose.
In other words, don’t come to God as the guy or gal pretending not to be drawn to alcohol/sex/drugs/the taboo/the weird.
Come to God as you really are, because the real you is the one He’s really interested in talking to…
And He wants to show you His plan where the weak parts of you are the places for Him to demonstrate His strength.