“Speak [Lord], for Your servant is listening.” — 1st Samuel 3:10 (NKJV)
Even though the world we live in is filled with so much noise, competing demands, and endless distractions, one of the greatest spiritual disciplines of the Christian life remains the practice of listening for God’s call. God is always speaking, but the question remains — are our hearts stilled, humbled, and attentive enough to discern His voice amidst the clutter of everyday life?
Note that God’s call does not always come in grand or dramatic ways, such as Saul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-9). The call can come as a gentle whisper, a nudge while praying, a stirring of conviction within our spirit, or a word affirmed through Scripture. Elijah experienced this as he was looking for God in the wind, the earthquake, and the fire — but God’s voice was heard in the still small whisper (1st Kings 19:11-13). Brethren, listening requires stillness, humility, and intentional surrender.
Sometimes, God’s call comes before we feel prepared. Samuel was young, inexperienced, and unfamiliar with God’s voice, yet God called him personally by name (1st Samuel 3:1-10). This truth reminds us that His call is never bound by age, position, or background. What the Lord seeks above all is a heart ready to listen and obey. When Samuel finally answered, “Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth,” his life was transformed forever.
Of importance is the fact that hearing is not the end of the matter; it must be followed by obedience! Jesus says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me…” (John 10:27 – NKJV). Hearing God is never separate from obeying Him. When we truly listen, our actions align with His will — even when it requires faith, courage, or sacrifice.
God is still in the business of calling — calling us to deeper faith, to service, to leadership, to repentance, and to purpose. Are you listening? Has God called, but you have delayed responding? Are you prepared to create intentional moments of stillness to listen for God’s call? Prayerful consideration of the foregoing questions will serve to clear all obstacles and allow you to hear and obey God’s call.
Prayer
Lord, help me to be still long enough to recognise Your voice above every other thing that is happening around me. Today, I ask for the courage to respond in obedience to Your call. Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening. This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Isaiah 55:3; Hebrews 3:15
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 31:1-9; Revelation 14:1-13; Ezra 8:15-36; Ezra 9