God Calls Young Samuel

The story of Hannah and Samuel helps us to keep trusting God and believe in the power of prayer. God answers effective prayer of believers and can do what seems to be impossible. 1 Samuel 3:10 - And the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, speak; for thy servant heareth. The followings are discussed: Hannah's Prayer Answered; Samuel Dedicated to the Lord, and Called to be a Prophet.

Hannah's Prayer Answered: Hannah was made barren by God, but instead of succumbing to the disappointment she kept praying to God for the blessing of a child. Hannah and her husband, Elkanah would go to Shiloh and pray at the temple every year. During one trip for the prayer Hannah expressed her grief of being barren, prayed earnestly for a male child and vowed to give him back to the Lord if given such a child (1 Samuel 1:10-16). Eli, the high priest thought she was drunk when he observed the emotion and desperation in which she poured her heart to God in prayer.

When She told Eli about her situation, the high priest comforted and assured her that God had granted her petition. Then her burden was relieved and joy filled her heart. Christians should share their burdens with only those who can help solve problems and strengthen the hope in God (1 Samuel 1:17-20). We must be careful when sharing our needs so that those who can complicate issues are not involved. Shortly thereafter Hannah conceived and brought forth a male child. She name him Samuel to acknowledge God's grace toward her. God didn't disappoint her for being perseverant and placing trust in Him. She depended upon God instead of allowing the circumstances to dictate and rob her the blessing.

Samuel Dedicated to the Lord: After Samuel had been weaned Hannah and Elikanah took him to Eli at Shiloh to be presented and dedicated to God as vowed. Samuel was presented as an evidence of answered prayer, God's grace and mercy. God is greater than any situation and when He demands that we should pass through difficult path or do something difficult, He has higher plan for us (Samuel 1:21-28).

Call to be a Prophet: God called Samuel to enter into the ministry at the time of spiritual death in Israel; at the time Eli was stricken with old age and non of his children could succeed him in the spiritual service. That Samuel was fully dedicated to God and made himself available for the Lord's service might be the reason God called him to be His prophet. Yet God called him when he had no personal experience to know His voice. He thought Eli had called him the first and second time, but Eli told him it was God calling and and if He called the third time he should ask God to speak and deliver His message (1 Samuel 3:1-10). God still calls and speaks to those who could listen to His voice and deliver His message. We can reaffirm our commitments to Him through worship, praise and prayer, and by finding quiet time and place to draw close to Him.

Samuel heard directly from the Lord and spoke His word with prophetic authority. His prophetic declarations were known throughout Israel and other places, and the ministry spread to places with great acceptance (1 Samuel 3:19-21). Those who are called and powerfully anointed by the Lord will not be found wanting about their calling. Just as Samuel receive the Word directly and spoke it with authority Christians who care to listen to God's voice will hear from Him and deliver His message concerning individuals and groups inside and outside the Church. Lesson texts: 1 Samuel 1:8-28; 3: 1-21.