Sometimes I Just Don’t Answer
SHARON JAYNES
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“Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’” 1 Samuel 3:10b (NIV)
I was helping a friend take care of her two little girls one night. As I combed tangles out of the freshly shampooed hair of one of my favorite 6-year-olds, we chatted about our favorite song in Frozen, whether dogs go to heaven, and whether pink or purple is the prettiest color. Then her mother called to her from another room.
She didn’t answer. “Your mom’s calling you,” I nudged.
“That’s OK,” she shrugged. “Sometimes I just don’t answer.”
I stopped midcomb. It seemed we had some knots of a different nature to address. After we discussed listening to and obeying parents, she skipped off and left me to untangle a few thoughts in my own heart.
When it comes to listening to my heavenly Father, do I sometimes ignore His gentle nudges? Do I act like I didn’t hear Him and skip off to go about my business?
Sometimes I just don’t answer.
When the prophet Samuel was a young boy, he learned about answering when God called his name. Samuel was serving in the temple with Eli the priest, who had gone to sleep when the Lord called out to Samuel — twice.
Both times, Samuel thought Eli was calling and woke him up to ask why, but the third time it happened, Eli realized it was God speaking to 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. The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening’” (1 Samuel 3:9-10, NIV).
I haven’t heard God speak to me audibly, but He does speak to me through Scripture, prayer, creation, circumstances and godly people. The Bible says, “For God does speak—now one way, now another—though no one perceives it” (Job 33:14, NIV).
The question is not: Does God speak? The question is: Do I listen? Do I answer when He calls?
The Hebrew word often used to describe the public reading of Scripture is miqra, which can be translated as “something calling out.” God calls out to us from the pages of His Word. Not only that, but He calls out to us by name! Isaiah 43:1 says, “I have called you by name, you are mine” (ESV).
God has always called His people. God called Samuel. And yes, God calls you! So today, when you and I feel the gentle nudge of His Spirit or sense His whisper in our hearts, let’s say, Speak, for your servant is listening. I hear You. I will do what You say.
Heavenly Father, forgive me when I ignore You calling my name. Forgive me when I ignore the truths in Your Word, whether because they conflict with what culture is telling me or for any reason. Help me to listen to You quickly and obey You completely. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
One of our favorite things is Sharon Jaynes’ book Momma Moments with God: A 90-Day Devotional. This beautiful hardback book is perfect for any mother or mother-to-be, encouraging her with heartwarming stories, powerful scriptures and personal prayers. Click the link to take a look inside!
ENGAGE
Sharon would love for you to hop over to her website for a visit. Click here for a free download of “70 Common Lies We Tell Ourselves and the Biblical Truths to Replace Them” just for stopping by!
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Matthew 7:24-25, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” (NIV).
Matthew 13:16, “But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear" (NIV).
We’d love to hear from you! If you’re committed to listen and answer when God speaks to your heart, leave a comment and say, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”
© 2025 by Sharon Jaynes. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Thursday, 03 April 2025.
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