DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- HEARING GOD'S VOICE

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – HEARING GOD'S VOICE

"Now the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel! And Samuel answered, 'Speak, for Your servant hears." (I Samuel 3:10)

Most of us have probably heard the story of the child Samuel since were knee-high to a grasshopper. It is one of the great Sunday School stories.

We remember that Samuel was given to the LORD by his mother, Hannah, to live in the tabernacle and serve Eli, the high priest. One night God called to the child Samuel while he was sleeping, "Samuel." Samuel thought that it was Eli calling his name, so he went to his mentor and said, "Here I am." Eli said that he did not call, so Samuel went back to bed. A second time, God called Samuel, and again, Samuel went to Eli. But Eli had not called him, and told Samuel to go back to bed. A third time, God called to Samuel, and by this time, Eli discerned that it was God who was calling Samuel. He told Samuel that if God called again, he should say, "Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening." It took four times for Samuel to understand that God was speaking to him.

This reminds me of myself. How many times does it take for me to understand that God is speaking to me? How many times did God call my name for salvation before I responded, "Here I am, Lord"?

God patiently and graciously speaks to me even when I don't respond correctly. I hear a sermon by the Pastor. Then I hear a radio or television preacher say the same thing. Then my wife talks to me. It usually takes three or four times before it dawns on me that God is trying to give me a message.

It may be wise to listen for confirmation of the message. I get a lot of thoughts in my brain that are just my own imagination gone wild. But if I hear the message several times, I need to respond to God, "Speak, for I am listening."

God really does want to communicate with us. May we be sensitive to hear His voice calling us. He may have to call us several times before we get the message. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Love, Dad