How can we respond obediently when God reveals difficult truths, like Samuel did? Setting the Scene “Samuel lay down until the morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the LORD. He was afraid to tell Eli the vision.” (1 Samuel 3:15) Samuel, still a boy, has just received a sobering prophecy of judgment against Eli’s household. Dawn comes, chores call, and the hard word must not stay hidden. His response sketches a pattern for every believer who is handed a difficult revelation. Why God Entrusts Hard Truths • To correct sin (2 Timothy 3:16) • To protect His people from deeper harm (Ezekiel 3:18-19) • To display His holiness and righteousness (Isaiah 6:3-5) • To invite repentance and restoration (Joel 2:12-13) Samuel’s Obedient Steps 1. He stayed in God’s presence – Samuel “lay down until the morning,” refusing to flee the place where the word came. – Parallel: Psalm 46:10—“Be still, and know that I am God.” 2. He carried on with ordinary faithfulness – Opening the tabernacle doors was his assigned task. – Luke 16:10 reminds: “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” 3. He felt natural fear yet did not let fear rule – “He was afraid to tell Eli the vision.” – Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be set securely on high.” 4. He delivered the message completely – Verse 18 records that Samuel “told him everything and hid nothing from him.” – Acts 20:26-27: Paul confesses he is “innocent of the blood of all men” because he declared “the whole counsel of God.” Principles for Us Today • Listen thoroughly before speaking – James 1:19: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.” • Confirm the message with Scripture – Acts 17:11: the Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” • Check motives – Galatians 1:10 warns against seeking human approval over God’s approval. • Speak truth in love – Ephesians 4:15 balances honesty with compassion. • Trust the outcome to God – 1 Peter 4:19: “Let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while continuing to do good.” Practical Ways to Obey When Truth Hurts • Journal the revelation—write exactly what you understand without edits. • Pray Scripture back to God, asking for courage (Acts 4:29-31). • Seek counsel from a mature believer who honors the Word (Proverbs 11:14). • Decide on a specific time and manner to relay the message; clarity beats delay. • Anchor yourself in promises such as Hebrews 13:6—“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” Encouraging Outcomes of Courageous Obedience • Growth in intimacy with God—John 14:21. • A clear conscience—2 Corinthians 1:12. • Influence that strengthens others—1 Samuel 3:20 reports “all Israel… knew Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD.” • Participation in God’s redemptive plan—Esther 4:14 reminds us we may be positioned “for such a time as this.” Takeaway When God entrusts a difficult truth, the faithful path mirrors Samuel’s: remain near Him, keep performing ordinary duties, refuse to be ruled by fear, and speak all that God has said with humble courage. The God who spoke then still backs His obedient servants now. |
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