How can we discern God's will in our lives like Samuel did? Following Samuel’s Footsteps into God’s Will “ ‘You are to invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you are to do. You are to anoint for Me the one I designate.’ ” (1 Samuel 16:3) Where Samuel Stood—and Why It Matters • Saul had failed, Israel needed a new king, and Samuel was grieving • God broke the silence with one clear directive: go to Bethlehem, hold a sacrifice, wait for My next word • Samuel’s discernment hinged on doing exactly what God had already revealed while staying open for the next step Core Truth: Revelation Comes in Stages 1 Samuel 16:3 shows two movements: “invite” and “I will show.” God often discloses His will progressively. Obedience to the first instruction positions us for the second. Related snapshots • Genesis 12:1–4—Abram leaves home before knowing the destination • Acts 8:26–29—Philip heads south, then receives details along the road Listening Before Acting Samuel’s pattern: • He “heard” (16:1) → he “went” (16:4) • He did not improvise or negotiate; he listened, then moved For us • John 10:27—“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” • James 1:19—quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to act on impulse Testing Every Impression by Scripture Even prophets tested moments by what God had previously spoken. • Psalm 119:105—His word lights the path; anything outside that light is suspect • Galatians 1:8—no new direction can contradict what God has already revealed Practical filter 1. Does it match clear biblical teaching? 2. Does it exalt Christ, not self? (Colossians 1:18) 3. Does it bear peace, not confusion? (1 Corinthians 14:33) Staying Near Through Worship Samuel’s sacrifice wasn’t a formality; it kept his heart aligned. • Worship tunes our spiritual ears • Romans 12:1—offer your bodies as living sacrifices; that dedication unlocks discernment (Romans 12:2) Cultivating Continual Dependence Samuel needed fresh guidance even after decades of serving. God’s will is not a one-time download. • Proverbs 3:5–6—trust, acknowledge, keep letting Him “make your paths straight” • Isaiah 30:21—“This is the way; walk in it,” a voice that keeps speaking as we keep moving Practical Takeaways for Everyday Decisions • Begin with what God has already said—obey current light • Make space to listen: unhurried Scripture reading, silence, fasting if needed • Bring every nudge back to the Bible for confirmation • Stay in worship; a thankful heart hears better • Move forward in faith, step by step, ready for course corrections • Keep a record of guidance and fulfillment—build a history with God, like Samuel’s Ebenezer (1 Samuel 7:12) God still delights to say, “I will show you what you are to do.” Discernment grows as we follow the voice that never contradicts His Word and always leads to His glory. |
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