October 3rd: An Open Ear
Have you ever been so busy talking to God that you forgot to listen?
That hit me this week…HARD! Going through this week’s life group material convicted me in more ways than one!
We spend so much time telling God our plans, venting our frustrations, or begging for direction…but how often do we actually stop and listen?
Not just background noise while worship plays. Not halfway listening while scrolling. I’m talking about real stillness. Real attention. Real surrender.
God Is Still Speaking
In 1 Samuel 3, the young boy Samuel is lying in the temple when he hears God call his name.
“Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, ‘Here I am!’” — 1 Samuel 3:4
But Samuel didn’t recognize God’s voice right away. It took multiple times…and someone wiser (Eli)…to help him realize who was speaking. Once he understood, Samuel’s posture changed:
“Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.” — 1 Samuel 3:10
That response is everything. Not “fix it.” Not “give me clarity.” Not “make it easy.” Just: “I’m listening.”
Here’s the truth: God doesn’t have a speaking problem…we have a listening problem.
We fill every moment with noise. Podcasts. Playlists. Notifications. We ask God to guide us, but never pause long enough to hear the whisper. We expect clarity without quiet.
What if we started praying less like “God, give me answers” and more like “God, give me ears to hear You.”
When you really start listening:
You’ll notice God nudging you in conversations.
You’ll feel convicted when you’re about to compromise.
You’ll find peace where you used to feel panic.
And you’ll see doors open that only God could’ve unlocked.
But it all starts with one thing: An open ear.
This weekend, I want to challenge you to carve out 15 minutes of true silence. No music. No phone. No tasks.
Just sit with this prayer: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
Then…actually listen.
You might be surprised by what He says. Or you might not hear anything at all. But either way, you’re practicing presence, and that’s where transformation starts.
God is still calling people by name. The question is: Will we be still long enough to hear Him?
Let’s be the kind of leaders who aren’t just loud for God…but listening to Him.
I hope you all have a great day, and God bless!