“ The LORD’s Voice”

A third time the LORD called, “Samuel” and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said “here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel. “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, “Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

1 Samuel 3:8-10

Meditation:

The LORD called, "Samuel, Samuel." Samuel didn’t recognize the Lord’s voice… Now, imagine the Lord calling your name… Would you recognize his voice?

Samuel needed Eli to help him understand what was happening and once he understood, he immediately said yes... In order to hear and understand the Lord’s call to us, some things are necessary.

First, we need some quiet in our lives… The world is full of noise. Some of this noise is unavoidable – traffic, construction, machinery, first responders, etc. – but much of it we inflict upon ourselves. How much time do we spend listening to the radio, the television, video games, social media, idle chatter etc. 

We need to turn away from the noise and turn toward the Word of GOD... 

Second we need to listen to others who believe in God. Samuel needed the help of Eli, a man who had been listening to God’s voice for many years and had served the LORD as a priest. Although he was old and had not always been faithful, he could help Samuel know how to respond to the Lord’s call. GOD has put people in our lives to help us in our search for GOD’S voice and sometimes we are called to be help for others. Have you ever heard someone say to you, "That was just what I needed to hear?" Or perhaps it was you who needed someone to say just the right thing to you.

Once you do recognize what the LORD is calling you to do, you have two choices, either to respond as Samuel did or think about the difficulties you might encounter, or how you might offend a friend, or think of all the things you need to do first. We choose what to do. We can listen for GOD’S voice or turn away; we can do as the Lord requests, or refuse.

GOD has given us free will, the question is what will we do with it?

Prayer:

LORD, every day continue open our ears to hear your voice, and lead us with your HOLY SPIRIT to continue do your will, spreading the GOSPEL and the BIBLE with JOY, LOVE and TRUST. In JESUS’ name we Pray, Amen!

Jose Reyes.