THE GENTLE WHISPERS OF GOD

“Therefore Eli said unto Samuel,

Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee,

That thou shalt say, Speak, LORD;

For thy servant heareth.

So Samuel went and lay down in his place.”

1 Samuel 3:9

Samuel was a young boy living and serving in the house of Eli the priest.

One night, while Samuel was sleeping, he heard a voice calling his name. Thinking it was Eli, he went to Eli and asked what he wanted.

After this happened 3X, Eli realized that it was the Lord calling Samuel.

So he instructed Samuel to go back and listen, and if the voice called again, to respond with “Speak, Lord for thy servant heareth.”

This verse marks a HUGE turning point in the life of Samuel.

It is the beginning of his prophetic ministry, through which he would become an influential leader and spiritual guide for the people of Israel. This event also foreshadows the downfall of the house of Eli, as God was preparing to raise up a new generation of leaders in Israel.

This verse teaches us about the importance of listening to God’s voice, being obedient servants & seeking wise counsel.

It is a reminder to pay attention to the gentle whispers of God in the midst of life’s noise and distractions, and to respond with a humble and open heart.