1 Samuel 3:1, "The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli, in those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions."

Think

Have you ever played the quiet game? As a child, it was a great form of entertainment. As a parent, it's a moment of peace! In today's devotional, God was playing the quiet game. But, it wasn't a game. This was a time in history when God was silent because his people weren't listening. The Bible says the Israelites were doing their own thing and not taking God seriously. Their disobedience spoke volumes. Whenever that happens, you can count on God playing the quiet game. One of the greatest judgments from God is to not say a word. When no word is spoken, no vision is imparted. And, we know, without vision the people perish. God was again silent for 400 years between the Old and New Testament period, but God spoke once again when the cry of his Son pierced the silence on that first Christmas night. Though God had been silent, he had not forgotten his people. He reached out in love and there were many who finally listened. Whenever our Creator doesn't speak, it's not because we're forgotten or because God no longer cares. But, we need to make sure that his silence is not the result of our disobedience. As you live your life, make sure you are listening for God and obeying what he tells you to do. Then, patiently wait for him to show you what is next.

Act

Take a look in the mirror and remind yourself that God gave us two ears and one mouth to help us remember that we are to listen for his voice. But he also gave us two feet, so we can take it a step further and obey whatever he asks us to do!

Pray

God, thank you for wanting to pass on words of wisdom and visions to me. Forgive me when I disobey and close my ears to your guidance and direction. Give me ears to hear and a heart that obeys. In Jesus' name, Amen.