I love the story of Samuel. For so many reasons. But mostly because he knew how to hear the voice of God. Even as a boy, he heard God speaking to him. And he learned to respond to His voice with, "Speak, for Your servant is listening." God spoke. Samuel listened. And he put feet to what he heard.

Too often I approach God with an (unspoken) mindset of, "Listen, for Your servant is speaking." And while I know I need to pour out my heart to Him, even greater is my need for Him to pour out His heart to me.

Jesus promises that His sheep know and hear His voice. I've been leaning in close lately to hear every word. I don't want to miss a thing. I don't want to miss His words because I'm not paying attention or won't shut my own mouth. I don't want to dismiss what He's saying because it doesn't make sense, or sounds too difficult, or seems too good to be true. I don't want to disregard Him by giving more weight to the words of others.

I want to hear even His faintest of whispers. God shouldn't have to raise His voice to get my attention.

I want to follow closely, hear clearly, and obey directly. Give me Samuel's ear.

What's God whispering to you lately?