Ready to Answer

Read

1 Samuel 3:10 "The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' Then Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant is listening.'"

Think

Picture a firefighter’s gear hanging by the truck, boots ready, coat ready, helmet ready. Why is it all set up like that? So that the second the alarm rings, the firefighter can answer right away. Being ready ahead of time means you can respond when the moment comes.

As we come to the end of Samuel’s story, let us look one more time at his answer, because it is worth carrying with you. “Speak, for your servant is listening.” That is the answer of a ready heart. Samuel had gotten himself ready to say yes to God.

Notice Samuel called himself God’s servant. A servant is someone who is ready to do what is asked. Samuel was not saying, “Speak, God, and I’ll think about whether I feel like obeying.” He was saying, “Speak, and I’m ready to do what you say.” That is a big heart for a young kid.

Here is the bridge to your life. Hearing God is wonderful, but it always comes with a question. When God shows you something, will you be ready to answer? Will you actually do the kind thing, the honest thing, the brave thing he is nudging you toward?

Being ready to answer is something you can decide ahead of time, just like the firefighter’s gear waiting by the truck. You can decide today, before anything even happens, that when God speaks to you, your heart will say yes.

So this weekend, get your heart ready like Samuel. You do not have to wait until you feel something big. You can tell God right now, “I’m your servant. When you speak, I’m ready to answer.” That kind of ready heart is exactly what God is looking for.

And here is something wonderful. Being God’s servant is not a sad or scary thing. God is the kindest, most loving leader there could ever be. Saying yes to him always leads somewhere good. So a ready heart is not giving something up. It is opening the door to the very best life there is.

Apply

Get your heart ready – Decide ahead of time that you will say yes to God. Tell him today, “I’m your servant. When you show me something, I’ll be ready to do it.” Then look for a chance to obey.

Pray

God, I want a ready heart like Samuel had. Help me not just hear you but be ready to answer. When you show me the right thing to do, give me the courage to do it. I’m your servant. In Jesus’ name. Amen.