Please strengthen me one more time.

Have you ever done that trick of pressing your arms against the doorjambs while standing in the middle of a doorway?  That's what this piece of archival imagery of Samson's death reminds me of - except for the fact that if you were to do the doorjamb trick you wouldn't kill anyone, including yourself.  But your arms actually will feel a little weak.  The story of Samson highlights how in our times of weakness, we should call on God to strengthen us to carry out His will.

"Then Samson prayed to the LORD, "Sovereign LORD, remember me again.  O God, please strengthen me one more time...." Judges 17:28

"In spite of Samson's past, God still answered his prayer and destroyed the pagan temple and worshipers [the Philistines].  God still loved him.  He was willing to hear Samson's prayer of confession and repentance and use him this final time.  One of the effects of sin in our lives is to keep us from feeling like praying.  But perfect moral behavior is not a condition for prayer.  Don't let guilt feelings over sin keep you from your only means of restoration.  No matter how long you have been away from God, He is ready to hear from you and restore you to a right relationship.  Every situation can be salvaged if you are willing to turn again to him.  If God could still work in Samson's situation, he can certainly make something worthwhile out of yours."  (Life Application Study Bible, p384.)