S82P15 – The beauty of the call: Samuel

1 Sam. 3:7-9

Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord was not yet revealed to him. So the Lord called Samuel a third time. And he stood and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you did call me.” Then Eli understood that it was the Lord calling the boy. So Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and it shall be that if He calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

The calling of Samuel can seem rather comical to us.  The Lord called his name, and he heard his name but did not know the source of the voice.  He went to Eli repeatedly asking what he wanted, but Eli had not been the one who called him.  What initially might seem funny starts to seem sad when we realize that Samuel does not know the voice of the Lord.  I find myself rooting for the young man because I want him to recognize who is calling him.  I find myself thinking how tragic it would have been had he never realized whose voice it was.  I also find myself thanking God that He placed Eli in that place at that time.  It was through Eli’s instruction that Samuel learned how to listen to God.

When it comes to the callings which God places on our lives, we always must remember that it is not just about him and us.  Yes, I can expect to have personal growth and revelation through my interaction with God as I walk out what He has planned for me, but it is about much more than that.  Samuel is a classic example that some people cannot walk out their calling without integral help from others.   Some of us will be the ones who need that help.  Others of us will be the ones who provide that help.  Still others will fill both roles.  The point is that God’s grace allows us to be an important piece of that puzzle in the calling of others, and it allows others to be that piece for us.  It is just one more way that He orchestrates the Church working in unity for a common purpose.

I have taken time to meditate on what God requires of me so that I can faithfully walk out what He calls me to accomplish.  I have taken steps to prepare myself for that work.  What I have not done is consider that perhaps I also must prepare myself for God to use me in the calling of someone else.  That is no less important than preparing myself for what God has set aside for me to do.  This is all work necessary for the progress of his kingdom and the fulfillment of his will.  Perhaps the start of someone else walking out his or her calling is waiting for you or me to take a step first.  Father, increase in us the desire to be prepared not only for our calling but also for our role in the calling of others.