And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth (1 Samuel 3:10).

Samuel, as a young man, was taught by Eli, the priest how to respond to God’s voice. God called Samuel by name three different times and on each of those occasions, Samuel thought it was Eli that was calling him and ran to Eli.

From the first time the boy heard his name and ran to Eli, God could have stopped him and said, “Samuel, don’t go to Eli, I’m the one calling you.” He didn’t do that because that’s not how He operates. Rather, He let him go and left the responsibility of the training to Eli.

In my early days in the ministry, while still learning these things, I remember saying to the Lord, “But everybody ought to know your voice.” His answer was, “No. It’s my sheep that know my voice. The lambs follow the bidding of the sheep, because they don’t know the voice of the shepherd.” How instructive!

Remember, the Lord Jesus said to Peter, “Feed my lambs.” He also said, “Feed my sheep.” That’s because the lambs are different from the sheep: they’re “babies” and that’s why they have to be taught.

When you study His Word, He talks to you, but you have to respond to Him. For example, when you read the Scriptures; don’t just read or quote them; respond! Take Galatians 5:24 as an example; it says, “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Don’t merely read and quote it; respond by saying: “I am Christ’s, I belong to God; therefore, I’ve crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts; I’ve overcome the world!” Always respond to God and to His Word; your response is where your blessing is.

PRAYER

Dear Father, your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I hear and discern your voice. I’m sensitive and attentive to your guidance, promptings and counsels. I respond in faith, and my thoughts, words, and actions are aligned with your will always. I walk in victory continually, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY: || John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: ||

|| Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This [is] the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. ||

|| James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. ||

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1-Year Bible Reading Plan=> Philemon 1:1-25 & Jeremiah 33

2-Year Bible Reading Plan=> John 8:44-59 & 2 Kings 24-25