Samuel was a little boy who lived in the Temple of God where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. One night, he heard a voice call him. He ran out to Eli, the priest, and asked: “Did you call me?” Eli said, “No, I did not call you.” This happened twice more. The third time, Eli knew exactly what was happening. So Eli said: “The next time you hear your name say, “Speak Lord and I will hear you.” Samuel heard his name, and said, “Speak Lord and I will hear you.”God began to tell Samuel many things that were to come. As Samuel continued to listen to the voice of God, he was established as a great prophet of God. “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” Luke 11:28.
Horton was just an ordinary elephant. One day, he heard a small voice that seemed to be coming from a speck of dust. Horton talked with the voice and found a new friend. Someone began to spread the word that Horton was out of his mind talking to someone that didn’t exist. Horton continued to believe and to listen despite how others treated him. His faithful determination to listen to the voice assisted in enabling his neighbors to eventually being able to hear as well.
God wants us to hear His voice, to recognize His voice. He has so many things to tell us, to reveal to us. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me,” John 10:27.
How can you hear God’s voice?
1) Renew your mind. (Romans 12:1-2). Stop putting things into your mind and going to places that are not holy and acceptable unto GOD. You may need to ‘leave’ certain books, movies, conversations, even people in order for you to prepare to hear from God.
2) Desire God (Jeremiah 29:13). You should strive to have a genuine relationship with God. You can’t be a one-day Christian and a six-day sinner. You know those folks that you’re always texting (even in church when you should be listening)? God wants to be that important to you. He wants to be that connected to you.
3) Pray often but not just asking for stuff (Thessalonians 5:17). Sometimes you just need to praise God, to glorify God, and to thank God. Let Him know how much you appreciate Him. I’ve got a challenge for you: For seven days, speak only prayers of thanksgiving, adoration, exaltation, and worship. If you must ask for something, ask God to draw you closer to Him.
4) After you pray, be still, be quiet and listen (Psalm 37:7-9). Sometimes we don’t hear God because we don’t give Him a chance to speak.
Samuel heard the voice of God and Horton heard a ‘Who.’ Who are you listening to?
(Patti Nicole Wheeler is a Licensed Associate Minister at Celebration Christian Center, 1215 9th Avenue N, Nashville, Tenn. 37208. Call 615-613-7757; or visit <www.celebrationchristian.online>).
