Pause. Read. Reflect. Be still. Write. Pray.
May 1, 2024
Read: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 3 The boy Samuel was serving God under Eli’s direction. This was at a time when the revelation of God was rarely heard or seen. One night Eli was sound asleep (his eyesight was very bad—he could hardly see). It was well before dawn; the sanctuary lamp was still burning. Samuel was still in bed in the Temple of God, where the Chest of God rested.
Then God called out, “Samuel, Samuel!”
Samuel answered, “Yes? I’m here.” Then he ran to Eli saying, “I heard you call. Here I am.”
Eli said, “I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.” And so he did.
God called again, “Samuel, Samuel!”
Samuel got up and went to Eli, “I heard you call. Here I am.”
Again Eli said, “Son, I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.” (This all happened before Samuel knew God for himself. It was before the revelation of God had been given to him personally.)
God called again, “Samuel!”—the third time! Yet again Samuel got up and went to Eli, “Yes? I heard you call me. Here I am.”
That’s when it dawned on Eli that God was calling the boy. So Eli directed Samuel, “Go back and lie down. If the voice calls again, say, ‘Speak, God. I’m your servant, ready to listen.’” Samuel returned to his bed. Then God came and stood before him exactly as before, calling out, “Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel answered, “Speak. I’m your servant, ready to listen.”
Reflect: I have always wondered how amazing it would be to hear God’s voice. I mean, like we can hear the voice of the person standing next to us. We see throughout scripture God speaking directly to His people. Abraham and Moses are just two that immediately come to mind. To have God tell us where we are to go, what to do, and exactly what we should say would make life and this journey we are on so much clearer.
We all know; however, it is not that easy. Instead, the commitment to follow Jesus, to serve, or lead in a capacity requires faith, and the spiritual disciplines that help us grow. While we may not hear an audible live voice, being attentive and open for how to listen for God speaking into our life is important. It is like any other discipline or work ethic we seek to perfect; it takes a willingness, it takes time, and intentional practice to develop the muscle memory that grows us in faith and the purpose driven life God intends. We want to know that the work we do, the ministry we lead, the prayers we pray are effective, we want to be sure we are living out our purpose.
The story of Samuel is a perfect example of the challenges we encounter when it comes to hearing God’s voice. His story shows us ways to help us overcome the obstacles we face. Samuel was confused. And I do not think I would be far off by saying, most people can relate more to Samuel’s encounter with God, then Moses’ encounter with the burning bush, but God does speak.
When I first heard my call to become a Pastor, I giggled. I certainly was not sure what I was hearing because I had never met or even seen a clergywoman in my life. Samuel heard God but was uncertain as to who was speaking. He, too, found difficulty in discerning the voice of God from the voices of the people around him.
Be Still: What challenges do you encounter when trying to discern God’s voice. Is there a unique way God speaks to you? Do you place more value on the task before you or the person God is calling you to be?
May you embrace whatever it is you discover.
Together,
we are held
in Christ’s love.
Pastor Kellie
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