Are you listening?

Read 1 Samuel 3.

Hearing and responding to the God's voice is not limited to age, experience, or position.  Samuel was very young.  Not only did God speak to him directly, but "came and stood" by Samuel to deliver the message (v.10).  The content of the message had to do with what God had already told Eli in chapter 2.

The important take away for us is found in verse 9: "Speak, LORD for your servant hears."
This is the goal of every person who wants to live wholeheartedly for God.

Four observations about Samuel's call.
1. The call came to Samuel while he was serving God.  Many want to know the will of God for their lives who are not doing anything in the way of ministry for Him.  Someone once said, "You cannot steer a vehicle that is not moving."

2. The call of God was personal.  The LORD had particular plans for Samuel's life.  The fulfillment of those plans only came as Samuel personalized what God wanted done in serving Him.

3. The call of God was an assignment.  There would be an overhaul of spiritual leadership for the nation.  God wanted Samuel ready to lead.

4. The call of God took time to unfold.  Samuel needed time to mature both physically and spiritually before assuming national leadership.  Because Samuel's mind and conscience were sensitive to listening to God and obeying what He said, "the LORD was with Him as he grew" (v.19).  Note that this was in spite of the evil environment in which he was raised.  And, the LORD revealed Himself directly to Samuel later (v.21) and at other times in his leadership.

The Holy Spirit speaks to us today primarily through the Bible.  Often we understand an application of His word through sound teaching or wise counsel.  Throughout the day God is speaking to us in the observations of life.

Sometimes His voice is a loud crash.  But most often, it is a still small voice.  "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." (Isaiah 30:21)

God is speaking all the time.  Are you listening?