DAILY READING
REFLECTION
The Lord's Calling
By Dave Mann
Samuel had a clear calling from the Lord. It was a time in history when it was rare for people to sense a word from God. Nonetheless, Samuel heard God’s voice so clearly that he thought surely Eli was calling him.
Few people in our day have heard the Lord speak audibly. I have spoken with some people who have, but I have not yet had that experience. However, the Lord still calls people to specific tasks in life. How have you heard a message from God? Has it been audible? Even if the Lord has not audibly communicated with you, has the Lord’s intent been clear?
Here are a few of the many ways God calls people.
In prayer, in a quiet moment, have you sensed God speaking in a still, small voice?
Has it seemed that certain words in Scripture “have leaped off the page” as if to say, “This is meant for you!”
Has someone with a prophetic gift received a word intended for you, and then other mature counselors confirmed it?
Have you felt a growing urgency over time to lead your life in a certain direction?
Have trusted fellow believers agreed and encouraged you to proceed on a clear path?
Has a spiritual gift seemed to grow in your life, where you have had increasing effectiveness and increasing opportunities to use that gift?
Have you had a dream from the Lord?
If you have sensed God’s calling in any of these ways (or others), be sure to respond as Samuel did, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” This is to say, you are making yourself available to the Lord, you are taking the role of a disciple, you are teachable, and you want to learn more from the Lord of your life.
Of course, responding to the Lord’s calling does not guarantee only a bed of sweet-smelling roses.
With the roses come thorns. In fact, Jesus promised as much. Samuel’s first specific action as a prophet of the Lord was to deliver a difficult message to Eli. Some parts of following the Lord can be pleasant; others can be challenging. Whether God’s call brings joy and peace or difficulty and stress, you will be where the Lord wants you to be.
PRAYER
Lord of all, thank you for testimonies in Scripture of the many ways you call people. Help me be attentive to the ways that you employ in my life. Inspire me to respond unreservedly, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
DAVE MANN
I am a Pastor for Internationals (retired) in the UALC community. I am married to Pam, father of four, and grandfather of six. Pam and I have lived twenty of our years in other countries including France, Cameroon, Haiti, and Morocco. In retirement, we continue to enjoy writing devotionals, learning languages, and teaching English to internationals.
Pastor Dave, I am tucking away your final sentence and considering it today. "Whether God's call brings joy and peace or difficulty and stress, you will be where the Lord wants you to be." This speaks to me. Thank you.
Great devotional to start the week! Thanks.