“The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.'” (1 Samuel 3:10, NIV)
Communication is critical on the battlefield. Commanders cannot control the fight unless they can communicate with their units. Yet the nature of communication demands a two-way effort. Leaders must communicate guidance; subordinate leaders must communicate to their leaders, but they must also listen and obey. Samuel, though just a young boy, expressed a desire to hear from God and the willingness to obey Him.
Some people wander aimlessly through life, not knowing if God still speaks. The truth is that He does. The primary means of His communication is through His eternal Word. He speaks in other ways as well, but especially through prayer. Other people express their concerns to God in prayer, but never stick around long enough to hear the answer. Sometimes it’s good to practice simply listen to God. Our Heavenly Commander still speaks today. Even in the midst of a violent firefight or during some other crisis, the Lord will provide the guidance you need. Are you listening?