The Lord called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized the Lord was calling the boy. So he told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say,’Speak, Lord, for you servant is listening.’ “- 1 Samuel 3:8-9
Timothy Lutheran School in Chicago, IL is located on the south side of the city, with no gym and very little playground space. When weather permitted, we’d walk to nearby Foster Park for PE. One particularly warm and sunny day, the boys selected teams for a flag football game. My team was on offense. From my wide receiver position, I streaked to the end zone. I was wide open- mainly because no one on the opposition thought I’d catch anything. “Here I am! Throw it to me!” The ball floated toward me in a tight spiral, and time seemed to stand still . . . TOUCHDOWN!!
Samuel’s servant heart typifies our work ethic in our various ministry positions or chosen career path. God’s presence enveloped us as we joyfully witnessed His love to others, willing to go the extra mile at every opportunity. Now that we’re in a desert, transitional time, much has changed. It is an opportune time to examine our relationship with Jesus. Are we listening to Jesus or talking at Him? Are we embracing the Lord with arms uplifted in praise or folding them in defiance, having ears but unwilling to hear?
The encouraging truth is that Jesus always has been right beside us, taking our hand and leading us along life’s way. His arms lift us when we fall. Throughout our transitional journey, we lean on God’s grace. His strength and love enable us to persevere, so that as we give the Lord thanks for all He does, we once again can say joyfully- “Here I am!”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7P5ToQtRbU
