November 11 | By Faith Samuel Followed God’s Voice
1 Samuel 3:10, “The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
Very few people can say that they have heard the audible voice of God. Samuel was not only given the great honor of hearing God’s audible voice but he was also chosen to do so at a young age. Likewise, he heard God’s voice in a time of spiritual drought. The Bible records in 1 Samuel 3:1, “The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.”
When the Lord first called Samuel’s name he didn’t know it was God’s voice but rather he thought it was Eli the priest calling for him. After two times of God calling Samuel’s name and Samuel coming to Eli, Eli discerned that it was in fact God calling him. Eli told Samuel that the next time he heard the voice of God he should say, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
Upon responding properly to the Lord, Samuel received a prophetic word concerning God’s judgment that was going to come to Eli’s house. God told Samuel he was going to replace Eli and his children as the prophetic voice to Israel (1 Samuel 3:11-21). From that point on, Samuel became a great leader in Israel. He was able to hear God’s inner voice and speak God’s messages boldly to the Jews. Samuel was so sensitive to hear God’s inner voice that he could clearly discern that it was David, the youngest of Jesse’s sons, who God wanted to be Israel’s second king (1 Samuel 16:1-13).
Those who are close to God like Samuel not only know God’s voice, but they know His heart.
As a result, we can learn from the faith and obedience of Samuel that when we hear God’s inner voice we should say, “Speak for your servant is listening!” Charles Stanley said, “God’s voice is still and quiet and easily buried under an avalanche of clamor.” Therefore, like with Samuel we must first be willing to hear God’s voice, whether audible or in our hearts, and then do whatever He commands.
Reflection
Do you know how to hear God’s inner voice through the Holy Spirit?
Action
- Ask the Lord to daily speak to your heart through the Holy Spirit. Jesus said in John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
- Always confirm what you believe to be God’s voice with the Word of God. And if you’re not sure, do what Samuel did and ask trusted leaders. Remember, God will never contradict what He has already spoken nor cause division in good churches.
- By faith, live your life led by the voice of God.
One Year Reading Plan
Ezekiel 23:1-49, Hebrews 10:18-39, Psalm 109:1-31, & Proverbs 27:13. Click here to read online.