There are times when God's voice is so loud that I feel like He's standing right behind me, telling me exactly what I need to know.
Other times, His voice is so soft that I mistake it for the whisper of the wind.
Too often, I simply fail to recognize His voice as His own.
I realized tonight that I am not the only one that this has happened to. My Bible study called for me to read part of 1 Samuel 3 tonight. During this passage, Samuel had not yet been called by God to be a prophet. He was under the teaching of Eli at the time. While they were sleeping one evening, God spoke to Samuel. He actually called him by name. Samuel immediately ran to Eli, wondering what it was that his teacher needed. Eli told him to go back to bed basically, that he had not called his name. This happened three times before Eli, a man of God, realized that it was God calling Samuel's name. He told Samuel to respond with something akin to "Speak Lord, your servant is listening" next time his name was called. The next time God called Samuel's name, he responded eagerly. He knew this time who was calling him.
Ah... this passage was balm to my soul for several reasons.
First, Samuel did not recognize God's voice the first three times He called to him. Even then, it was with Eli's help that he recognized it. Hallelujah! I am not the only one!
Second, here's the best part:
Even though Samuel didn't recognize God's voice, his heart was willing and God continued to call him until the boy answered! God didn't give up simply because Samuel didn't recognize His call the first few times. My God is persistent in His longing for us! Soak that in for a minute.
Samuel was serving where the Lord wanted him and, though he was ignorant to the voice of his God, God continued to call the heart that was bent on serving Him. How precious is that knowledge! Knowing that, even though I often mistake His voice or do not recognize it at all, He continues to call! He continues to pursue me until I answer, "Speak, Father. I am listening."
Wow.
Until next time,
Keep Reflecting :)
