I like stories.  I collect stories.  Stories help me to make sense of God's work in the world.

So choosing a FAVORITE story would be difficult, if not impossible for me.

But if you MADE me put together a list, this one would be on it.

The young boy Samuel, has been give to the church.  His mother, Hannah, was unable to have children till she poured her heart out to God and the priest, Eli, blessed her.  In her prayer, Hannah promised that she'd give her firstborn to God.  (If you remember Exodus, God had already claimed the firstborns for himself.)

So one night Samuel is in bed and he hears a voice calling his name.  He gets up and runs to report to Eli.  One problem:  "I did not call" Eli says.  "Go back and lie down."

It happens again. "Samuel" the Voice says.  Samuel goes to Eli.  Again, Eli tells Samuel that he didn't call and sends the boy off to bed.

It happens a third time and finally Eli, being the wise old priest he is, figures out what's going on.  He tells Samuel,

"God and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'"

Eli just helped Samuel to discern God's voice.  

Is there ANYTHING more profound or important for us as Christians to do than to help another recognize God's voice in our lives?

Without it, we can't respond to God's offer of salvation.  Without it, we can't ask for forgivenss of our sins. 

Without it, we can't receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the promise of eternal life.

So here are two questions for you:

1.)  Have you come to the place where you have learned to hear God's voice in your life? 

I don't mean an audible voice, necessarily.  For me, God usually speaks as an impression upon my mind or heart.  A thought, an idea, a strong inkling that I know comes from outside myself.

2.)  What are you doing to nurture that gift of discerning God's voice?  Prayer, Scripture, meeting with other Christians, worship, and spiritual reading are examples of how we learn to fine tune our hearing.  Take a moment now and ask God if there is a particular activity He wants you to give more attention to.

Grace & peace