It's not just little kids that need to learn to listen . . .I was a college freshman, a thousand miles from home, when I sensed God telling me to "break it off" with my girlfriend back in Florida. That was tough! She was a great young lady. She loved God. She was beautiful. And there was nothing inappropriate in our relationship.
Needless to say, I did not want to do this. So I begged and bargained with God. I explained to the Lord all the reasons why I needed to keep this relationship going. But it was no use. I still got the strong sense from above: "Break it off."
So I did.
I dropped to my knees in my college dorm and surrendered: "God, I sense you are telling me to end this, so I am going to do just that!"
No sooner did I give in to God when God gave to me -- instantaneous peace! Later, I met Shannan, my absolutely wonderful wife of 30 years. She is my love, life partner, and best friend. She's momma to our six children, and grandma to four more. It's been a GREAT 30 years.
I'm not batting 1000 when it comes to listening to God. I'm not even close. But I wonder what would have happened if I had not listened at that time. I thought about that as I read the passage below and reflected on the words of James Drummond Burns that follow:
Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:8-10 ESV)
Oh give me Samuel's ear An open ear, O Lord, Alive and quick to hear Each whisper of Thy Word Like him to answer to Thy call And to obey Thee first of all.
Lord, please give us all Samuel's ear!
If you are looking for some insight in HOW to discern God's whisper, click here.