The nights silence was shattered like glass. A strange disturbance left him unsettled and uncertain. Yet, it was unmistakeable, undeniable ... he had heard a voice calling his name. It was too audible; and, he was now too awake to ignore his name being called through the shadows that danced to the rhythm of the flames from temple lamps. The Bible lifts the curtain to tell us the story of the God who whispers in the night. Have you ever asked questions about the voice of God? Maybe youve been too embarrassed to ask? You know, questions like: Does He really speak? Would He speak to me? Would I be scared? How would I know it was actually Him? Am I too young? What if I got it wrong - would He speak to me again? I Samuel 3:8-10 God called again, “Samuel!”—the third time! Yet again Samuel got up and went to Eli, “Yes? I heard you call me. Here I am.” That’s when it dawned on Eli that God was calling the boy. So Eli directed Samuel, “Go back and lie down. If the voice calls again, say, ‘Speak, God. I’m your servant, ready to listen.’” Samuel returned to his bed 10 Then God came and stood before him exactly as before, calling out, “Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel answered, “Speak. I’m your servant, ready to listen.” ... ready to listen. We are not naturally gifted to listen. A gifted speaker, an outstanding orator - yes! But the history-makers are those who are advanced in the art of listening to the whispers from eternity. Samuel had to prepare his heart to hear. So it was on that sleepless night that a boy heard his God and that rendezvous rippled through the remaining years of his life. God was no longer at a shouting distance. He stood just a whisper-length away from a bewildered boy who was destined to develop from a naive novice to the national prophet of Israel. The journey of understanding His utterance isnt a one-time event. Dont you find it especially encouraging to read: God called again, “Samuel!”—the third time! The third time! God is long-suffering while we get our stuff together. Are you just beginning and as bewildered as this boy in the Bible? God called his name - Samuel, Samuel not once but twice ... only to be met by confusion; yet, for the third time, the grace of God comes to whisper his name just as gently as at first. Its almost like a sub-text, spoken in the silence. Can you hear Him ...? I know your struggling. I know you havent yet tuned into my frequency. I know your trying to figure it or me out. Im still here. When youre ready, Ill call your name and fill your heart with the whisper of my holy Presence. - God. I Samuel 3:7 (This all happened before Samuel knew God for himself. It was before the revelation of God had been given to him personally.) You see, it not about how well you know God, rather, its how well God knows you. He meets you just where you are, just at the point of your present spiritual maturity. He knows that as you open your heart and lean into His grace that His voice will become as familiar as it is foreign now. 1. He will not impose. He knows you are human; and, how humans can be - fearful, faltering and even faithless. He waited for Samuel to say: speak, Lord 2. He will not impugn. He will not call into question or judgement your sincerity or your honesty. He knows your heart. He doesnt whisper His word because youre worthy. He speaks because He knows your destiny is tied to His whispered words of forgiveness and faithfulness. Theres not guilt for his bewilderment. Theres only grace for his inexperienced inquiries. 3. He is not impatient. Isnt it wonderful? Can you imagine the canvass painting of a whispering God waiting on a wide-eyed youth to hear Heavens hallowed word. Are you ready to listen? He knows your name. I think its as simple as it is sacred! Why not begin? Lord, life is so confusing just now. Theres so many conflicts and contradictions. I need the peace that comes from You. I give You permission to whisper what You know I need to hear. Help me to replace my fears with your friendship; my quibbling with your quietness and my worries with your whispering hope. Amen. Randy B. Leavitt
Posted on: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 23:16:52 +0000
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