This fall we are reading through 1&2 Samuel together as a church and focusing on Searching For A King both on Sunday mornings and in weekly Community Groups. As I was reading 1 Samuel 3 this week, I was struck by the words young Samuel says to the Lord who was calling out to him. In response to hearing his name, Samuel is urged by his mentor and priest Eli to respond in this way: “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” How different that is to our responses so often when God is trying to get our attention: 

• “Not now, Lord, I’m really busy. Can you come back next week?” 

• “Me, Lord? Are you sure? I’m thinking you might have the wrong person.” 

• “Speak, Lord, but I’m going to listen to you at 1.5x speed so I can multi-task.” 

• “Speak, Lord, you have my undivided attention unless something more important comes to mind.” 

• “Speak, Lord, I’m listening, just don’t make it anything too challenging or convicting.” 

I love how Samuel is ready for whatever it is the Lord tells him and is all in. Now, as it turns out, what the Lord told him was a difficult word regarding Eli and his sons who had been blaspheming God. I love how the Scripture tells us that Samuel was a little hesitant to deliver this news – he stayed in bed, he went about his daily chores, trying to avoid Eli as long as possible. But eventually Eli approached him and asked him about it, and Samuel was honest as he spoke the word of the Lord to him. Eli received the news well, and the Bible tells us that from that time on he was seen as a prophet of the Lord whose words went out to all of Israel. 

I must admit that I can relate to Samuel here. It’s one thing to listen for what the Lord wants to tell you; it’s another thing to then have to share that word with a brother or sister, particularly if it’s a hard word. There are times when we are called to speak the truth in love to one another, “so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (Eph. 4:16) The “love” part of that phrase, “Speak the truth in love,” is critical. Eli actually encouraged Samuel to share what God had told him because he loved Samuel and knew that Samuel loved him. Whatever the word was, it wasn’t going to be said out of spite or judgment or malice or ill will, it was going to be said out of love. We earn the right to speak truth into one another as we love them well. Samuel learned that early in life, and it’s something that we all need to learn as we live together as the Body of Christ.  

So, this week I want to challenge you to make room in your life to hear from God, and then to respond in obedience to what He is telling you, even if it’s a difficult word. This is God’s desire for us as His children, and I believe you’ll be blessed as you respond to His call.