Day 78 Bible Readings - 1 Samuel 3:7-9 (NLT)

1 Samuel 1-3, Psalm 78

1 Samuel 3:7-9 (NLT)

“Samuel did not yet know the Lord because he had never had a message from the Lord before. So the Lord called a third time, and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. ‘Here I am. Did you call me?’ Then Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling the boy. So he said to Samuel, ‘Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” So Samuel went back to bed.”

In 1 Samuel 3:7–9, we see through Samuel’s story that knowing about the Lord is different from having a personal relationship and revelation from Him. Samuel was serving in the temple under Eli, but he had not yet experienced the Lord’s voice in a personal way. He did not recognize that it was Father-God calling him. Eli guided Samuel and helped him understand that it was the Lord speaking to him.

These verses teach believers that, like Samuel, we cannot rely on knowledge alone. We need a personal relationship with the Lord so we can learn to recognize and discern His voice in our lives. Samuel’s story also shows that the Lord is patient—He calls more than once and waits for us to respond. Eli’s role highlights the importance of spiritual mentors who can guide us as we grow in our faith. Samuel also models humility and obedience, showing a willingness to listen and respond when he receives instruction.

I have never heard the Lord’s voice in the same way Samuel did, but I recognize that I have received guidance from the Holy Spirit throughout my life. For a long time, I did not understand that it was the Holy Spirit speaking to me. It was only after I began developing a deeper relationship with the Lord, and through the guidance I received in my spiritual walk, that I began to recognize His voice.

Like Samuel, I also questioned what I was hearing. But through daily reading of Scripture and reflections like this, I have learned to better discern the Holy Spirit’s guidance so I can align my life with the Lord’s will.

If these verses resonate with you — if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who guides us through the Holy Spirit — this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.

Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.