What steps can we take to be more attentive to God's calling today? The Call in the Night 1 Samuel 3:4: “Then the LORD called to Samuel, and he answered, ‘Here I am.’ ” Hearing Happens in Openness • Samuel was lying down in the tabernacle, where the ark of God was (v. 3). • He was available—no competing agenda, no distraction. • Isaiah 30:21 reminds, “Your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way. Walk in it.’ ” Cultivate Intentional Stillness • Schedule unrushed moments; silence phones, screens, and noise (Psalm 46:10). • Read Scripture slowly, treating it as God’s present voice, not past information (Hebrews 4:12). • Practice short pauses during the day to say, “Speak, Lord; Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). Stay Close to God’s House • Samuel slept near the ark; we draw near through consistent fellowship in a Bible-honoring church (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Proximity to believers who revere Scripture sharpens discernment (Proverbs 27:17). • Corporate worship tunes the heart to heaven’s frequency (Psalm 22:3). Respond Immediately and Obediently • Samuel answered at once, “Here I am.” Delay dulls sensitivity (James 1:22). • Obedience in small nudges readies us for larger assignments (Luke 16:10). • Keep a journal of promptings and fulfilled guidance; remembering builds faith (Deuteronomy 6:12). Test the Voice by the Word • God’s voice never contradicts His written Word (Galatians 1:8). • Compare impressions with clear Scripture; what aligns is from Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Seek counsel from mature believers when unsure (Proverbs 11:14). Maintain a Teachable Heart • Eli instructed Samuel; mentors clarify God’s call (1 Samuel 3:8-9). • Pray for humility to receive correction (Psalm 139:23-24). • Guard against hardness through regular repentance (1 John 1:9). Live in Continuous Expectation • Samuel’s calling began while still young; God still speaks today (John 10:27). • Start each morning expecting direction, and end each night reviewing how He led. • Grateful awareness keeps ears open and spirit ready (Colossians 4:2). Practical takeaway: like Samuel, lie close, listen close, and leap to obey—God still calls, and His servants can still answer, “Here I am.” |
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