Carry the Flame - Renew Your Heart & Revive the WorldSample

READING

Can you relate to Phyllis’s story in the video? Have you ever heard God speak to your heart and mind, but ignored it anyway? Or have you doubted the voice you heard? Second guessed yourself? No. This idea can’t be from God . . . can it?

The prophet Samuel experienced something similar. When he was just a boy, still assisting the high priest Eli, Samuel heard the voice of God in the night. Roused from his sleep, Samuel confused the call of God for a call from his master. But the tired old priest said, “I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.” This happened three times. Only after the third call did Eli realize it was God’s voice Samuel was hearing. He told the boy how to reply next time he heard the voice. On the fourth call of “Samuel! Samuel!” the boy recognized the voice of God and his whole life started to change.

It's interesting that both Samuel and Phyllis were actively serving God when they struggled to recognize his voice. Phyllis was an active Christian and church-goer when she heard the Holy Spirit speaking to her. Likewise, Samuel was devoted to Yahweh and serving in his temple. If you ever doubt a voice that you hear speaking to your heart, you are in good company. Followers of God across centuries have struggled to recognize God’s voice.

Something remarkable about both Samuel’s story and Phyllis’s story is that they responded in obedience. Then God began whole new chapters in their lives.

Practice listening for the voice of God in your life. The Spirit may speak something into your heart which could be the beginning of a new, incredible chapter in your story. When you hear God, respond as Samuel did: “Speak, your servant is listening.”

REFLECTION

Think back to a time when you’re certain God told you something. What was it? What was different about that season in your life?

How can you practice listening for God this week?

Finish reading 1 Samuel 3 (vs. 11-21) to discover how Samuel’s life changed soon after his conversation with God.

PRAYER

Dear God, I believe you are alive and active in the world today. Thank you for the presence of your Holy Spirit in my life and in the body of Christ. Help me to hear you speaking and to obey faithfully. Thank you, God, for speaking. Thank you for being a conversational God. Amen.