Mensa Otabil - Connecting With God
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We are looking at the final lesson for the week on the calling of Samuel, and we are focusing on connecting with God. First Samuel chapter 3, verse 10: «Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel! ' and Samuel answered, 'Speak, for your servant hears.'» This is the fourth call, the fourth effort by God, and the call went through. When Samuel was called, there was a response.
It’s almost like trying to call someone on the phone and the line is engaged, engaged, engaged, and then the call goes through. Everybody is happy because there is now communication. Have you ever had a situation where you were trying to catch someone’s eye? Maybe you have a friend, and you see your friend from afar; he is not looking your way, but you are trying to catch his attention. You are waving your hand and doing all the things to get his attention, and he is still not looking. Then, just when you think, «Oh, I’m not going to see him; he is not going to see me,» he turns and makes eye contact with you, and there is a big smile on everyone’s face. Contact has been made; there is connection.
That’s what happens between God and Samuel. It’s been a long process; God didn’t give up. Eli finally caught the revelation and helped the connection to be made. When God speaks to Samuel, he repeats the words that have been given to him: «Speak, Lord, your servant hears.» This single connection on a solitary dawn changed the history of Israel for a very long time. It is through Samuel that Israel had its first king and its second king. He anointed Saul and anointed David. God used him tremendously.
But look at how difficult it was for him just to hear the call of God for his life. A ministry that had so much impact started in a very bumbling way; it didn’t appear to have hope. But look what God can do! So many times, you look at your life and think, «Oh, it doesn’t look like it’s going to end well.» You fail here and fall there, then rise and stumble again. It may not look like it will work out, but you have no idea what God can do with your life. He did it with Samuel; He can do it with you.
Samuel’s encounter with God teaches us to be watchful at all times. He was listening and ready; he didn’t know who was going to talk to him, but at dawn, he wasn’t asleep. When he heard a voice, he could recognize it. It also teaches us that our calling doesn’t come from another human being; it comes from God. Although God can use some people profoundly to help us in our lives, our calling in life comes from God.
We also learn from Samuel that we may miss God, but He doesn’t stop just because we missed Him. God is persistent and relentless; He will pursue us and reach us. Just as God raised Eli, a man whose ministry had come to an end, to usher in the beginning of Samuel’s ministry, may God give you people who will help you step into your role in life.
It’s been a great study; I am just reflecting on this young boy and his struggle to hear from God, eventually making contact with Him. May you connect with God, may God’s purposes connect with you, and may He get your attention and use you for His glory.
Let’s pray. Say with me: Heavenly Father, help me to connect with your purposes for my life. Use me according to your will. In Jesus' name, amen and amen. Well, we will start something new tomorrow. I’m Pastor Mensa Otabil, peace and life to you.