Listening to the Greatest Voice

…Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.

I Samuel 3:9

My friend has an interesting testimony of how she became a believer in Jesus. No one in her family was a Christian. A man began coming to their home once a week and reading his Bible to the family. He did nothing more than read, but the power of God’s Word transformed every person in that family. One by one they came to believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

When God speaks His Word into a heart, something happens. A life is transformed, a truth is revealed, a direction is given—something of eternal worth happens. God made a promise about His Word: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:11).

No other person on the planet has more important things to say to you than God. His Word has life-transforming power. And yet, many Christians leave their Bibles unread for days, weeks, or even months at a time. Without consistent Bible study, a believer remains an infant in knowledge and understanding of God and His truth. He also remains an ineffective servant of God.

Samuel was a young boy when God first spoke to him. He followed the instructions of Eli the priest by responding to God’s voice, Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening (I Samuel 3:9). This began a lifetime of Samuel listening to God and obeying His voice. As a result, Samuel became a mighty servant of God.  

Believer, do you long to hear from God? Do you long to be a mighty servant of God? Then open your Bible. Begin your daily Bible study with the words: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” As you consistently listen to God, His living, powerful Word will transform you.

Lord, help us to be diligent students of Your Word. Help us choose to listen to Your voice before all others. Use Your Word to transform us into effective servants. Amen.

Jan Burkhart