The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!"
Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
-I Samuel 3:10
The prophet Samuel of the Old Testament had the unique distinction of being a young boy when he first heard clearly the voice of God calling him into His service. Something else which we see in Samuel’s life is what can happen when a child is completely dedicated to God. Perhaps you are familiar with the account of what took place; a woman named Hannah had no children, and as she prayed, she promised the Lord that if she had a son, then she would devote that son to God. Later, when Samuel was born, she made good on her promise and brought him to the temple and gave him back to God. Can you imagine the devotion behind this sacrificial act? I wonder how many of us could have done that. Hannah’s faith in God motivated her to decisive action and she was blessed because of her faith.
Samuel then grew up in the temple and became a great spiritual leader among the Israelites. He was faithful to God throughout his life. Never was there a time when he walked away from what God had told him to do, even when doing so was unpopular. Even though he was disappointed in the people at times he remained a servant of God among them. We do well to stop and take a good look at the devotion and leadership qualities of a godly man like Samuel.
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