I almost felt like I had to say, “Excuse me” as we drove between them. On a very busy street with cars streaming both ways two people were holding an animated conversation across the street from each other. I felt like it was a typical conversation I have with God. Life is streaming between us. I realize He is supposed to be inside and speak to me in a still small voice, but reality is that life is full and loud and takes up our days. I call to Him and I know He calls back but there is so much going on I fear some days I don’t hear. I know He hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s me.
Remember the night God spoke to a little boy named Samuel? “And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you did call me.” Then Eli perceived that the LORD had called the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.'” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for your servant hears.”
I love that story. Knowing that God doesn’t play favorites means He calls to us. We might not hear our name called in the middle of the night because He is as diverse as we are diverse. He speaks to us via Scripture, sermons, devotionals such as this, friends and sometimes those who are not are friends. The important thing to remember is He wants to dialogue with you.
Written by Roger Bothwell on August 9, 2010
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org