"Speak, for Your Servant Hears"

"Speak, for Your Servant Hears"

And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”

God had to call Samuel three times before he responded. Samuel wasn't ignoring God, he just didn't recognize God's voice. I can't help but wonder how many times God has called my name and I didn't recognize His voice? I  wonder how often God called my name and I ignored it. I wonder if He called my name today, would I recognize it, would I be listening...

There have been many times in my life that I felt God was calling me to do something but because I thought I wasn't good enough, I ignored His call. I will even admit, there have been times I said no to what He was asking of me because of my fear of failure. Lord forgive me!  I recently heard a minister say, "God doesn't want your ability, He wants your availability". Wow, what an eye-opener! The truth is, God knew exactly what I was capable of when He called my name. He wasn't looking for perfection, He was asking for my willingness and my obedience! He didn't need my ability...I just needed to be available! I'm pretty sure I've failed the test many times!!! Again, Lord forgive me!

Let me tell you what I'm learning...if God calls us, He will equip us! He will give us words to speak and wisdom to know when to be silent. He will give us the ability to do whatever He is calling us to do!!! Within ourselves we are nothing, but with Him, we can do whatever He ask...we just have to be a willing vessel! 
"Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, that is Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever, Amen." ~Hebrews 13:20-21.

I believe God has given each of us a specific calling that is uniquely ours to help build His Kingdom. Our calling may not be in the spotlight of preaching, singing or playing an instrument. It may be cleaning the church, cutting the grass, telling a stranger about Jesus or just being available for whatever need may arise. In fact, our calling may never be seen by anyone other than God, but it's important and it's needed!

So today, let me encourage you to listen to His voice, don't ignore it and please don't run from it! I wasted so many years and so many opportunities, I would love to have the chance to go back, to have the opportunity to fulfill the calls I missed...

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me. Forgive me for all the times I failed to hear Your voice. Speak to me now Father, I'm listening, use me for Your purpose. As I strive to do Your will, hide me behind the Cross so the world sees only You!  In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.