On three previous occasions when God called Samuel, he ran to Eli; presuming he was being summoned by his mentor. Eli on his part kept assuring the young boy that he did not call him. When that happened for the third time, Eli concluded that it must be the Lord calling him. He went on to provide the response to give should the voice call again. Spiritual perception is an important aspect of our faith walk. However, no one is made perfect in this overnight. Samuel was completely ignorant of the voice of God at that time in his development. He would later mature in it, but in the meantime he needed to be guided. Even Eli who was older and more exposed did not discern at once that it was God calling Samuel. Becoming perceptive to spiritual things takes time; but it is a development that will be worth the wait.

“Becoming perceptive to spiritual things takes time; but it is a development that will be worth the wait. “

When God called the fourth time, Samuel responded as he had been taught. ‘’Speak, for Your servant hears’’, he said. It was at that point that God began to unveil His plan both for him and the entire nation of Israel. Two lessons are to be learned here. Firstly, though God always has something to say, He will not speak until He has secured our attention. God does not waste words. He had a big plan for Moses and the Israelites who were held in Pharaoh’s grip. He did not disclose that plan until Moses turned from distractions and gave attention to the miracle happening before him. “So when the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”” (Exodus 3:4 NKJV). Until we are focused on Him, it is never about time for Him to speak. The second thing, which is actually a manifestation of God’s forbearance, is that He is willing to wait until He secures our attention. Imagine God calling on Samuel four times in the same night. How good to know that God is kind, and He is always patient with us until we get it!