When I was a child, it was exciting to answer the phone, because I wanted to see who it was. I would run to the phone and wonder who it was and why they were calling. Something happened over the years and that exhilaration changed. Caller ID came out and I started to screen calls to see if I wanted to answer it… don’t judge me. Since you have done that too, why do we do that? We often think, “I do not have time right now” or “This is not a conversation I am ready to have.” What about when we see a number we do not recognize? Most of the time we let it go to voicemail to see who it is since we are all sick of being asked about our “Extended car warranty” that does not exist.

It reminds me of a boy who received a call multiple times and did not recognize the caller. It was a boy named Samuel, who was serving the Lord under the supervision of Eli. One night “The Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me (1 Samuel 3:4-5). This happened a couple of times and the Bible reveals, that Samuel, “did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him,” which is why he did not know the Lord’s voice (1 Samuel 3:7). Eli, realizing it was God calling Samuel, he wisely told the boy to answer God’s call the next time. Thankfully for Samuel, “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 3:10).

I believe God will call you, but will you answer? I have found it is easier to recognize God’s voice when anticipating His call.