September 19: "Speak, Lord, I’m Ready to Listen"

 : "Speak, Lord, I’m Ready to Listen" 

 Main Scripture: "And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant hears.'" — 1 Samuel 3:10 (ESV) 

Arlene Johnson McLeod
Kings Seventh-day Adventist

Have you ever felt like you're waiting for God to speak, but the silence is deafening? We often get caught up in the noise of life—busy schedules, personal struggles, and the constant pull of technology. In the midst of it all, God still speaks, but the question is, are we ready to listen? In 1 Samuel 3:10, we see a young Samuel, a servant in the temple, answering God’s call with a simple but powerful response: “Speak, for your servant hears.” Samuel had been trained to serve, but he had not yet fully recognized God's voice. It took Eli, the priest, to guide him to realize that it was the Lord calling him. Sometimes, like Samuel, we can get so caught up in the rhythm of life and our own desires that we forget to listen for God’s voice. But God is calling us, gently and persistently, to tune our hearts to His. 

Jeremiah 33:3 says,  "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." Here, God promises that when we call out to Him, He will not only answer but will reveal profound truths we’ve never known. What an incredible invitation! Are you ready to hear what He has to say? 

In  Proverbs 3:5-6, it reminds us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." 

This verse reminds us that listening to God isn’t always about understanding everything at once. Sometimes it’s about trusting Him and being willing to follow even when we don’t have all the answers. Trusting God’s direction is part of being ready to listen. 

In Steps to Christ, p. 92, Ellen White emphasizes that God's Word is the primary means by which we hear His voice. The Bible is not just a book of ancient stories, but a living guide to the present and future. Through it, God speaks to us directly, and we are called to respond with open hearts and a readiness to listen.

 At 52 years old, Claudette found herself at a crossroads. She had been working in a corporate job for nearly 30 years, and while she felt successful on paper, her heart was unsettled. She began to feel God calling her to something different, but she wasn’t sure what. The still, small voice in her heart nudged her to step away from the fast-paced work environment and take time to listen. At first, she wrestled with fear and doubt. What would others think? Would it be irresponsible to leave a secure job? But Claudette made the brave choice to seek God’s voice above her own fears and the voices of those around her. In prayer and quiet reflection, God began to reveal to her a new purpose—one that involved using her skills to serve in ministry and outreach. 

Claudette’s story is a reminder that sometimes, we don’t hear God’s voice because we’re afraid to listen. But when we truly say, “Speak, Lord, I’m ready to listen,” He will guide us to places of purpose and fulfillment. 

 Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for always being near, calling us to listen. Forgive us for the times we’ve been too busy or distracted to hear Your voice. Today, we open our hearts and minds to You. Speak, Lord, for Your servants are ready to listen. Guide us, lead us, and help us trust in Your plan for our lives. We want to follow where You lead, no matter how challenging it may seem. Give us courage to be obedient, and grant us the wisdom to discern Your voice amidst the noise of life. We trust You, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

 Ladies, friends- God is speaking to you today. Are you ready to listen? In the stillness of your heart, His voice is calling—leading you to a deeper relationship with Him and guiding you into the life He has planned for you. Will you answer as Samuel did, with a willing heart: “Speak, for your servant hears”?