Prior to our Focal Scripture, Samson had entered into an alliance with a harlot he met in Gaza, and he went in unto her. Unknown to Samson, there were men waiting for an opportunity to strike him. Unknown to Samson, negativity was waiting for a chance to take advantage of him. Samson rose at midnight, and he took the gates of the city with the pillars, and went up to a hill. When negativity beckoned, rather than fight with individuals, he simply took the gates of the city.
Friend, when God shows you mercy, take it a step further and take the gates. Don’t be caught up fighting or competing with mere mortals; just take the gates. Take the gates of your city. Take the gates of your profession; take the gates of your line of business; take the gates of your locale; take the gates of that environment you want to dominate; take the gates of that place where enemies have gathered against you; take the gates of that place where men have conspired; take the gates of your ‘Gaza’.
Samson seemed to realize that it was more important to take the gates of the city than to engage in fisticuffs with mere men. He seemed to realize that it was more important to take the gates of the territory than to engage in arguments with men in the territory. Glean another wisdom: it is more important to take the gates of your territory than to engage in arguments with mere mortals. You need the gates more than you need to fight.
Did you realize that the moment he took the gates of the city, nothing more was heard about those men who laid ambush on Samson? The moment he took the gates of Gaza, the battle ended without even a fight. If you dare to take the gates of your territory, some battles will die a natural death. If you dare to take the gates of your career, business, ministry, location, city, etc. you will be shocked how victory will come with ease.
Possess the gates of your territory with prayers and prophetic proclamations. Don’t focus on men and their competition, and leave the gates.