1 Samuel 3:10 "The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."

"Too Busy Not To Pray" by Bill Hybels was our literary selection for July/August. In this informative, yet challenging book, Mr. Hybels highlighted such topics as, Praying like Jesus, The Hurt of Unanswered Prayers, Prayer Busters, and Living in God's Presence. The chapter that ministered to me most focused on the Importance of Listening to God.

In 1 Samuel 3, while young Samuel was lying down, he heard his name being called. Since Eli the Priest was the only other person there at the time, he thought for certain that it was Eli who called his name. Given this, he appeared before Eli twice and was informed both times that he did not call him. Samuel heard the voice again and he returned a third time to Eli. At this point Eli realized that it was the Lord who had called Samuel. The scripture stated that Samuel did not know the voice of the Lord at that time, so Eli his spiritual mentor provided instruction on how he should prepare himself to hear and respond to the voice of the Lord in the future. Samuel returned and when the Lord spoke again, his response was "Speak, for Your servant is listening."

The Old Testament records many occasions when the Lord spoke to His people. To name a few, He spoke to Moses, Elijah, Daniel and Jonah. God not only spoke to His people thousands of years ago, He speaks to His people today. The question is.... "Are you ready for what He has to say to you?" My initial thought was, "Of course, believers want to hear what God has to say. They would only need to set aside quiet time, realize the various ways that He could potentially speak; and when the word of the Lord comes to His people, they would jump for joy, and follow His instructions."

However,as I read the scriptures more extensively I realized not everyone wanted to hear what the Lord had to say. I was also reminded of the times when I didn't want to hear what the Lord was saying to me. As I read the book of Jonah, the chapter begins with, "Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah...." Jonah not only heard this voice speaking, He knew exactly who was speaking, but he chose to disobey.

There is nothing more refreshing than hearing the voice of the Lord. As you look introspectively, would your response be similar to that of Samuel's or to Jonah? Would you embrace and cherish the word of the Lord or would you reject it and run the other way? The Lord loves you and that which He speaks would never cause harm. It is however, safe to say that you will be challenged to step outside of your comfort zone and possibly face being led in a direction that is contrary to your personal plans.  I am so glad that the Lord Jesus Christ understands our imperfections and He is a God of a second chance.

In Jonah 3:1-3, Jonah was given another opportunity to fulfill his appointed task. If you've heard the voice of the Lord and you've rejected it or you were blatantly disobedient as Jonah was, repent and go forth in Jesus Name. As you prepare to hear the voice of the Lord, open your heart to God, eagerly await His coice and direction for your life; and then choose to be willing to do what He instructs. Psalm 32:8 says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with my eye."