Someone to Help

Read

1 Samuel 3:8-9 "A third time the Lord called, 'Samuel!' And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, 'Here I am; you called me.' Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, 'Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."' So Samuel went and lay down in his place."

Think

Think about a time you were stuck on something, maybe a hard math problem or a tricky part in a game, and someone older helped you figure it out. That one bit of help changed everything. Suddenly what was confusing made sense. That is what happened for Samuel.

By the third time Samuel came running, old Eli finally understood what was going on. He realized it was God calling the boy. So Eli gave Samuel some wise advice. He said, “Next time, say, Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”

Here is something we should not miss. God used an older person, Eli, to help a younger person, Samuel, learn to hear God’s voice. Samuel was ready and willing, but he still needed a wise helper to point him the right way. And Eli was there to do exactly that.

This is a big deal for you. God often uses the caring adults in your life to help you know him better. Parents, grandparents, teachers, pastors, small group leaders. When they teach you about God, they are being an Eli for you, helping you learn to hear the Lord.

Here is the bridge. You do not have to figure out God all by yourself. God made us to help each other. When you are confused about God or the Bible or something hard in your life, it is a good and smart thing to ask a trusted grown-up who loves God. That is not cheating. That is how God set it up.

So thank God for the Elis in your life, the people who help point you toward him. And do not be afraid to go to them with your questions. Samuel needed a helper, and so do we. God gives us each other on purpose.

One day, you might even become an Eli for someone else. A younger kid, a friend, maybe a little brother or sister. As you learn to hear God, you will be able to help others learn too. That is how it works. God helps us, and then we help each other, passing it along.

Apply

Ask a wise helper – Think of one trusted grown-up who helps you know God, like a parent, grandparent, or leader. Thank them today, and if you have a question about God, ask them.

Pray

God, thank you for the wise people you put in my life to help me know you, like Samuel had Eli. Help me learn from them and not be afraid to ask questions. Thank you for giving us each other. In Jesus’ name. Amen.