“The boy Samuel served the in Eli’s presence. In those days the word of the Lord was rare and prophetic visions were not widespread.” (1 Samuel 3:1)
Looking at the story in 1 Samuel 3, we see a young Samuel hearing God’s voice but not realizing who it is. He went to Eli, thinking that Eli had been calling him. On the third time, Eli realized it was the Lord calling Samuel, and gave him instructions on what to do if he heard the voice again.
This story shows the importance of encouraging one another to listen to God, to live with a posture of learning and eagerness to join God in how he invites us to partner with him in the work he wants to accomplish through us in this world.
We’ve developed the rest of this post to help guide us through a helpful practice. Spend some time alone with God, asking him to speak into your thoughts as you work through the following questions.
- What are things in your life that God could use in His Story? (Skills, life experiences, passions)
- How do the things you mentioned above connect to what following Jesus looks like? Use the scripture to help you reflect. Here are a few references that may be helpful as you process:
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. 2 Corinthians 5:17-20
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2What would it look like to live out that calling in the different areas of your life? (Home, work or school, free time)
- Pick 2 fellow believers in your life to share the above reflections and ask them to pray with you, guide you, and challenge you as you take steps into this calling.
To hear more about the calling of Samuel, check out this message by Elisa Laird: Here I Am.
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