Voices in the Night

Samuel would eventually become the one who would anoint the shepherd boy David. But before anointing the great king of Israel, Samuel himself was chosen-at a young age-to be a servant to God’s people.

Samuel’s calling to serve the Lord came at a time when God was distant and rarely known. Samuel’s call from God came in the middle of night, in that familiar story of the boy running to Eli before being told to listen for God.

Perhaps like Samuel, we, too, have been lying awake in the middle of the night listening for God’s call. Often our late night listening comes at a time when we feel God is distant and rarely heard.

The most interesting part of the story might not be that Samuel finally figures out to call out to God instead of Eli, but that God continues to call even though Samuel has no clue.

Yet, isn’t that God’s way with us, to continue to call, perhaps in the quiet of the night, even when we have no clue. God calls and calls, knowing that often it will take us a while to figure it out. God calls and calls, because God has something good to do for us.

O God, you call. Help us to answer. Amen. — EP

Contributed by Voices in the Night

Samuel would eventually become the one who would anoint the shepherd boy David. But before anointing the great king of Israel, Samuel himself was chosen-at a young age-to be a servant to God's people. Samuel's calling to serve the Lord came at a time when God was distant and rarely known. Samuel's call from God came in the middle of night, in that familiar story of the boy running to Eli before being told to listen for God. Perhaps like Samuel, we, too, have been lying awake in the middle of the night listening for God's call. Often our late night listening comes at a time when we feel God is distant and rarely heard. The most interesting part of the story might not be that Samuel finally figures out to call out to God instead of Eli, but that God continues to call even though Samuel has no clue. Yet, isn't that God's way with us, to continue to call, perhaps in the quiet of the night, even when we have no clue. God calls and calls, knowing that often it will take us a while to figure it out. God calls and calls, because God has something good to do for us.
Eternity for Today