Hearing God's voice

“The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' " So Samuel went and lay down in his place.” 1 Sam 3: 8-9

Have you seen that God spoke to Samuel and Samuel didn’t know that it was God who was speaking to Him? Eli had to help Samuel understand that it was God who was speaking to him. Samuel had to learn to recognize God’s voice with the help of Eli. 

I wonder if it’s the same for us today? Do i still need help discerning God’s voice? Where do i get help then? My friend and i went to Starbucks and while i was buying coffee he asked the Barista if she was going to College and studying to become a teacher. Her jaw dropped and words can’t express the look of amazement on her face. My friend heard God’s voice for this girl and in a instant she had a encounter with the Living God, who was showing His support for her becoming a teacher. 

Prophesy, one of the spiritual gifts in 1 Cor 12, has a beautiful effect when used correctly. It encourages, comforts and exhorts. This girl experienced all 3 in one moment. And it all hinged around my friends ability to hear and understand God’s voice, just like Samuel. 

I know my friend, and i know what he does to keep his relationship with God strong. Practical things like choosing the right Church, personal devotions and disciplines, being around the strong friends with likeminded attitudes. But he’ll be the first to tell you that his growth and gifts doesn’t come from anything that he can do, it comes from the revelation that God loves him. That God wants to talk to him, just like He wanted to talk with Samuel. He walks in this revelation all day long, it’s like the treasure he guards with his life. 

Lesson learned, God will always speak first, and we need help learning His language. 

Declaration: 

The LORD continued to appear at (...name of your city...), and there He revealed himself to (...your name here...) through his word*. And (...your name here...) word* came to all (...your city...) 1 Sam 3:21/4:1

* “word” 1 Sam 3:21/4:1 is H1697: speech, saying, utterance