Now Samuel had not yet experienced the LORD, because the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. - 1 Samuel 3:7
In my life and ministry, I have known some who have struggled with the call of God upon their lives. In fact, I myself struggled with the same back in 1985-1986. One reason I wrestled with the call was my own unfamiliarity with the voice of God.
When God called Samuel the first time, the boy did not know who it was. In fact, he did not identify the voice as God's until the third (double-down) time. The biblical record states that this was due to the fact that, "Samuel had not yet experienced the LORD, because the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him." Samuel had to learn how to listen.
Are you currently struggling with God's direction for your life? Perhaps even with His call to some form of vocational service? Maybe you just don't recognize His voice. Take a few simple steps and see if they don't help a little:
1) Like Samuel, say, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." In doing this, you are identifying yourself as someone who is submitted to His sovereign will.
2) Read God's Word. Why would God provide new revelation when we have ignored Scripture?
3) Ask for understanding. Work in concert with the Holy Spirit who indwells you.
4) Listen to the Body of Christ. Discuss what you are learning with trusted, believing friends and then ...
5) Actively wait. You can "be still" and yet still serve.
God will speak, grant His direction, when you agree to obey that which He commands and wills. Just don't act surprised if His guidance leads you to serve Him in a way that demands your total dependence upon His involvement.
I think Christians fail so often to get answers to their prayers because they do not wait long enough on God. They just drop down and say a few words, and then jump up and forget it and expect God to answer them. Such praying always reminds me of the small boy ringing his neighbor's door-bell, and then running away as fast as he can go. - E.M. Bounds
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