‘…Samuel responded, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” – 1st Samuel 3:10 (HCSB)
Have you ever known God was speaking to you, but you hesitated? Maybe He prompted you to forgive someone, make a difficult change, serve someone, or step into something you felt unqualified for. We often say, “God, speak to me,” but sometimes the real question is, “When He speaks, will I obey?”
Samuel was only a boy when God called his name. He did not immediately understand what was happening. Still, when Eli helped him recognise God’s voice, Samuel responded, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” Samuel’s willingness to listen began a life of faithful service to God.
Abraham also heard God’s voice and was told to leave his homeland and go to a place God would show him (Genesis 12:1-4). He did not have the entire plan. He simply obeyed the next instruction. Sometimes obedience means taking the next step before we know where the entire journey leads.
Peter experienced this firsthand when Jesus told him to put out into deep water and let down his nets (Luke 5:4-6). It did not make sense to Peter – he had already worked all night. Yet he said, “…But at Your word, I’ll let down the nets.” (Verse 5, HCSB). His obedience opened the door to a miraculous catch.
The same is true for us. God may speak through His Word, prayer, wise counsel, or a quiet prompting in our hearts. We may not always understand His instructions, and obedience may often feel uncomfortable. But delayed obedience can become disobedience when we continually ignore what God asks of us.
God is still speaking. The question is not simply, “Can you hear Him?” It is, “Will you trust Him enough to obey?”
Today, don’t wait until everything makes sense. If God has spoken clearly through His Word, take that step. Listen. Trust. Obey.
Prayer
Father, help me not only to hear Your voice but to respond with obedience. When I am afraid, give me courage. When I don’t understand, give me faith. When Your instructions challenge me, give me a willing heart. Help me trust that Your ways are better than mine. May my response always be, “Speak, Lord, Your servant is listening.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Jeremiah 33:3; Hebrews 4:12
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 22:17-27; 2 Corinthians 13; Isaiah 30:19-33; Isaiah 31; Isaiah 32