January 3, 2025
Read 1 Samuel 3:1-12
Samuel was growing up in the presence of God, sleeping near the Ark of the Covenant, yet the Bible notes in verse 7, "Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor had the word of the Lord been revealed to him." This highlights an important truth: It is possible to be near the things of God and still not hear His voice. Proximity to the presence of God does not always guarantee revelation.
At that time, it was rare to hear a fresh word from God. Scripture tells us that "the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation" (1 Samuel 3:1). Even Eli, the spiritual leader, seemed disconnected from hearing God’s voice. Yet, during this spiritual drought, God calls out to Samuel, not once, but three times. Each time, Samuel runs to Eli, thinking that it is Eli who is calling him.
The beauty of Samuel’s response is in his posture of humility and willingness. Every time he heard his name; he jumped up and went to Eli. Samuel’s heart was already conditioned for service, even though he did not yet know the Lord’s voice. His readiness to respond, even without understanding fully, positioned him to finally hear directly from God.
When Samuel went to Eli for the third time, Eli realized that God was calling the boy. He instructed Samuel to respond in a way that unlocks a powerful spiritual truth: "If He calls you, that you must say, 'Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.” (1 Samuel 3:9). This phrase, "Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears," sums up the posture we must adopt to consistently hear from God.
The posture of hearing from God is not one of convenience or indifference—it is a posture of submission and obedience. Like Samuel, we must resolve in our hearts that our answer to God will always be "Yes, Lord". When our hearts are postured in obedience, God is ready to speak. He desires a heart that is willing to act on whatever He reveals.
We must not delegate our spiritual engagement to others. In many homes, some people defer their spiritual growth to someone else. We need to be active participants in seeking God’s voice. Samuel did not rely solely on Eli’s relationship with God—he responded to God’s call.
Our ability to hear God hinges on our willingness to obey. If our hearts are set on saying, "Yes, Lord, whatever You ask," then God will reveal more of His will to us. Jesus demonstrated this same posture in John 5:30 when He said, "I do not seek My own will, but the will of the Father who sent Me."
Notice that God called Samuel multiple times. Sometimes God may repeat the same message until we understand or respond correctly. We should not grow weary if we do not understand God immediately but remain persistent and expectant.
Samuel's story teaches us that hearing God is not reserved for the spiritually elite. It is available to those who are willing to listen and obey. The question is not if God is speaking—the question is, are we listening with a heart ready to say "Yes" to His call? When we make God’s word our ultimate authority, the word of the Lord will not be rare in our lives, and we will experience the joy of His guidance consistently.
Song
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters Wherever You would call me Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander And my faith will be made stronger In the presence of my Saviour
Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong UNITED
Prayer - Heavenly Father, may our hearts always be ready to say, "Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears. In Jesus’ name. Amen.Let my gifts rise to You as a sweet aroma, and may I honor You with a generous, sacrificial heart. Strengthen me to give, trusting You will provide all I need. In Jesus' name, Amen.