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1 Samuel 3:1-14

As a believer who knows how to minister to God, knowing to hear from God is also important. Before Samuel could hear from God, he missed the calling three times. Twice it was stated that Samuel was ministering to God. 1 Samuel 3:1 stated it and 1 Samuel 3:7 also said, ÒNow Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor was the word of the LORD yet revealed to himÓ. Despite the fact that Samuel was ministering to God, the Word had not yet been reveled to him. Are you a believer that is ministering to God faithfully and yet the Word is not being revealed to you? God is not a difficult God and He wants His children to hear Him when He speaks. God wanted to speak to Samuel, but Samuel had to know how to answer God first before hearing from Him was possible. Eli, his mentor, out of favor with God knew it would take answering the call of God before God speaks. EliÕs instruction for Samuel says in 1 Samuel 3:9, ÒTherefore Eli said to Samuel, ÒGo, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ÔSpeak, LORD, for Your servant hears. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.ÓÕ Indeed and in truth, when God called back the fourth time, Samuel knew what to do before hearing from God. It was recorded in 1 Samuel 3:10, ÒNow the LORD came and stood as at other times, ÒSamuel! Samuel!Ó And Samuel answered, ÒSpeak, for Your servant hears.Ó God spoke and Samuel heard from God. What is holding you back from answering to God? Is it ignorance or lack of understanding? It took four times for Samuel, who was ministering, to answer the Lord. When there is understanding, there will be a knowing (knowledge) to prevail. Now that there is understanding, ask for help from God. Ask God today to deny every force that is causing or denying you from answering to His calling. It does not matter how long you have been ministering to God. Until you answer His calling, you will not be able to hear Him speak. Samuel answered GodÕs calling and he was enabled to hear God speak.