Speak Lord—what Happens When He Whispers?

Speak Lord—What happens when He whispers?

1 Samuel 3:1-10AMP

Two Texans went to Minnesota one winter to do some ice fishing. After setting up their tent, they pulled the cord on their chainsaw to cut a hole in the ice. Then they heard a mysterious voice from above saying, “there are no fish under the ice.”

Is that you, God? They asked in awe. No, came the reply, “but I know that there are no fish under the ice. I am the owner of this ice-skating rink.”

People who don’t know God’s voice, or His whispers, resemble fisherman fishing in a skating rink.

If your life is off key, maybe it's because you've been deafened by the negative self-talk that doesn't let God get a word in edgewise!

Maybe you've listened to the voice of criticism so long you can't believe anything else about yourself. Or maybe it's the enemies voice of condemnation that speaks lies about who you really are.

This I know—If you don't silence those competing voices, they'll eventually deafen you. Before long you won't be able to sing God songs, because you won't be able to hear His voice.

Would you be willing to pray a bold prayer with me? It's a prayer that can change the trajectory of your life, just as it did for the prophet Samuel.

Before you pray it, let me issue a warning. If you want to hear His comforting voice, you have to listen to his convicting voice also.

Remember this, It’s often what we hear least that we need to hear most.

I want to read the entire text, and then proceed to give you some—God points! (Ready, I’ll read).

1 Samuel 3:1-10AMP Now the boy Samuel was attending to the service of the Lord under the supervision of Eli. The word of the Lord was rare and precious in those days; visions [that is, new revelations of divine truth] were not widespread.

2 Yet it happened at that time, as Eli was lying down in his own place (now his eyesight had begun to grow dim and he could not see well). 3 and the [oil] lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, 4 that the Lord called Samuel, and he answered, “Here I am.” 5 He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call you; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. 6 Then the Lord called yet again, “Samuel!” So Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But Eli answered, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know [or personally experience] the Lord, and the word of the Lord was not yet revealed [directly] to him. 8 So the Lord called Samuel a third time. And he stood and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you did call me.” Then Eli understood that it was the Lord [who was] calling the boy. 9 So Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and it shall be that if He calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 Then the Lord came and stood and called as at the previous times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

The question remains, “Are you ready to pray a bold prayer?” The next time you go to Him, tell Him, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

Several things I would like to point out from the text:

God called Samuel, but Samuel still had to decide, and follow the call of God.

Jesus stated in, John 15:16ESV “You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you.

I think it’s safe to say, “God was calling— Samuel.” First, to trust Him as His God. Second, to become His spokesperson. Namely, A— prophet of God.

2. Samuel’s first order of business was to speak hard, painful words to His adopted family.

1 Timothy 3:5ESV for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?

Think about it, what the Lord showed young Samuel was about his own relatives. Samuel didn’t realize until now, that God was about to judge Eli, the prophet— Samuel’s mentor. The priest who raised Samuel. Also Eli’s sons. They would undergo severe judgement, even death.

Can you imagine, Giving this type of news to your own family? (Are you sure you want to be a—prophet of God?)