1 Samuel 3:8a A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
What strikes me about today’s verses is the patience and perseverance of God. In verse 8, Samuel is called for the third time, and while he responds to every call, he responds to Eli because he thinks that is who is calling him. It takes Eli a while to catch on as well. It isn’t until the third call that Eli realizes that since he isn’t calling Samuel, it must be the Lord.
1 Samuel 3:8b Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy.
Even when Eli makes that realization, he doesn’t panic. “OMG! That must be God calling. Go back to your room! Listen! Hope He calls again!” Eli says, *if* He calls you (for a fourth time), say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.’
1 Samuel 3:9a So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ ”
Precious Savior, Thank You for Your patience and perseverance. Thank You for calling until we figure out that it is Your voice we are hearing. Help us to listen. Help us to hear. Help us to respond. Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening. Amen.
1 Samuel 3:9b So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
Have a blessed day.