The First Component of Faith

"Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" and Samuel answered, "Speak, for Your servant hears" (1 Samuel 3:10)

Our desire to walk by faith, stepping solely within the will of God for our lives, begins with a desire to hear what He is saying. When we have no idea where God is leading us or what He wants to change in our hearts, listening is the first and most crucial component to a greater faith.

Samuel was a young boy when he first heard God speak to him. The first sounds of God's voice were difficult for him to discern. Yet through some gentle guidance from Eli, Samuel's faith began to blossom. Listening for God's voice became a pattern for Samuel's life. Countless times throughout his leadership in Israel he heard and obeyed the voice of the Lord.

As we deepen our relationship with the Lord, we can improve our hearing in relation to God's voice through the following:

Meditate upon God's Word. If we know the Word of God already spoken, discerning His voice clearly will be easier.

Establish a time to listen to God. Our prayers become more effective when we are willing to hear God's heart.

Expect God to speak. If we don't believe that God does and desires to communicate to us today, we won't be as inclined to listen. However, when we do believe the truth - that He does want to speak to us - we hear Him loud and clear.

Lord, open my heart to discern Your voice. Give me the discipline to listen for You and the faith to believe You want to speak to me. Amen

~Charles Stanley~