Here I Am

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd November 29, 2018 - Filed in Devotional - 5,911 views
  The child Samuel ministered to Yahweh before Eli. The word of Yahweh was precious in those days; there was no frequent vision. It happened at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place (now his eyes had begun to grow dim, so that he could not see), and the lamp of God hadn't yet gone out, and Samuel had laid down to sleep, in the temple of Yahweh, where the ark of God was; that Yahweh called Samuel; and he said, Here am I.' 1 Samuel 3:1 WEB
  
  The flickering of the lamp still gave light to the room where Samuel was sleeping. He was now about twelve years old and was serving at the temple. That night the Lord began to speak to him. What is interesting, is that the high priest of Israel was sleeping just a few doors down, but the Lord chose to speak to young Samuel instead.
  
  When we want something done, we like to speak to those at the top. God will often go the other way, and start at the bottom. When the 'leaders' no longer listen, He will speak to someone else. It is not your position in the church that determines if the Lord will speak to you. If that were the case, then the Lord would have spoken to the high priest that night instead of the little servant boy. God looks at the heart, the inner person (1Samuel 16:7).
  
  I once heard a preacher say that God will never speak to you about those 'in authority' over you, and reminded us that those who spoke against Moses died. Samuel immediately came to my mind, then David, and Amos, and Jeremiah. The list goes on and on.
  
  Saul was afraid of David because the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul (1 Samuel 18:12). Amos was a shepherd and took care of fig trees when God told him to go prophesy to the high priest Amaziah (Amos 7:14). Jeremiah was just a youth when the Lord began to speak to him, and he prophesied to kings (Jeremiah 1:6).
  
  The preacher was simply trying to stop gossip about the leadership of the church, but that is not biblical thinking. It is hubris to think that God is your pet, and that He will only speak to those that you permit Him to. God speaks to whoever He wants to, without getting our permission. He has always done so, and He will continue to.
  
  Will the Lord speak to you? Absolutely, 'My sheep hear My voice' (John 10:27). Remember that God will never contradict scripture, and He will always confirm His word in multiple ways so you will know that it is Him. Like Samuel, you just need to be willing and say: Here I am Lord!
  
  Prayer: Heavenly Father I am listening today. Speak to me in a way that I understand and confirm Your word to me. I want to walk closer with You, to know You and Your ways better. Break me out of whatever is holding me back. Here I am Lord, use me. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
  
  

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