November 11 | By Faith Samuel Followed God’s Voice

Series | The Life of Amazing Faith

Scripture | 1 Samuel 3:10, “The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Lesson 11 | By Faith Samuel Followed God’s Voice

Very few people can say that they have actually heard the audible voice of God. However, Samuel was honored by God to not only hear God’s audible voice but was chosen to do so at a very young age.  Plus, the Bible states in 1 Samuel 3:1, “The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.”  Therefore, Samuel was also chosen to hear God’s voice in a time of spiritual drought.

When the Lord first called out Samuel’s name he didn’t know it was God’s voice but rather thought it was Eli the priest calling for him.  After two times of God calling Samuel’s name Eli discerned that it was in fact God calling him.  In turn, Eli told Samuel that the next time he heard the voice of God he should say, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”    

Upon doing this Samuel received a word of judgment for Eli’s house and it eventually came to pass exactly as Samuel had said.  From that point on, by faith in God, Samuel became a great prophetic voice to the people of Israel.  He was able to hear God’s inner voice, speak it to the people boldly, and live a righteous life.  Samuel was so sensitive to God’s inner voice that he could clearly discern that it was David, the youngest of Jesse’s sons, who was to be Israel’s king, 1 Samuel 16. 

As a result, we can learn from the faith and obedience of Samuel that when we hear God’s inner voice we should say, “Speak for your servant is listening!”  We shouldn’t always expect God’s voice to be “obvious” or “over powering,” but like with Samuel we must be willing to hear God’s subtle voice through the Holy Spirit and do all that He commands.    

Reflection | Do you know how to hear God’s inner voice through the Holy Spirit?

Action | (1) Ask the Lord to daily speak to your heart through the Holy Spirit, John 10:27.  (2) Prayerfully read the Word of God and discern God’s voice with His written Word- He will never contradict what He has already spoken.  (3) Lastly, like Samuel, live your life led by the voice of God, Hebrews 3:7-8!

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Ezekiel 23:1-49, Hebrews 10:18-39, Psalm 109:1-31, & Proverbs 27:13. Click here to read online.