A Passion to Serve

“Then the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for Thy servant is listening.’ And the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. In that day I will carry out against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. For I have told him that I am about to judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons brought a curse on themselves and he did not rebuke them. And therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.’

So Samuel lay down until morning. Then he opened the doors of the house of the Lord. But Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. Then Eli called Samuel and said, ‘Samuel, my son.’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ And he said, ‘What is the word that He spoke to you? Please do not hide it from me. May God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the words that He spoke to you.’ So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, ‘It is the Lord; let Him do what seems good to Him.’ Thus Samuel grew and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fail.” 1 Samuel 3:10-19

You have probably known people who insist on serving God on their own terms. Before they even ask God in prayer what He wants them to do, they already have their plans mapped out. Before long, otherwise good and noble projects go wrong, and they don’t understand why. Charging ahead without seeking the Lord’s will or ignoring His counsel, almost always brings negative consequences.

Hophni and Phinhas performed worship ceremonies in the temple according to their own wishes. Because they were concerned about relationships with the temple women and getting the best pieces from the sacrifices, God eventually allowed them to be killed.

Samuel, however, learned how to listen to God’s voice - and how to respond. Just as Eli had told him, when Samuel heard God’s call in the night, he answered, "Speak, for They servant is listening.” (Verse 10). Samuel was ready to hear and obey whatever his Master told him; he waited for the Lord’s command.

Do you seek God’s instruction, or do you try to do His work in your own strength? For whatever He asks you do. He provides the plan and the power to accomplish it. God’s work done God’s way means sure success.