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"Now the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel answered, 'Speak, for Your servant hears.'"
(1 Samuel 3:10)
The Hebrew word hineni means "Here I am" or "Here am I." In Scripture, it communicates more than simply telling someone where you are. It expresses readiness, availability, and attentiveness. It is the response of someone who is present and willing to listen when called.
We see this response in the lives of several great biblical figures, including Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Samuel, and Isaiah. Each was called upon by God, and each had an opportunity to respond. Samuel provides a particularly powerful example because he learned this posture of availability while he was still a boy.
Samuel's response to God was, "Speak, for Your servant hears." Notice that he identified himself as God's servant. He did not approach the Lord demanding an explanation, negotiating the terms, or asking whether the assignment would be convenient. He made himself available to hear what God had to say.
This is the attitude that prepares us to serve God faithfully. Before we can do great things for Him, we must be willing to hear Him. Before we can lead others, we must allow Him to lead us. And before we can know the details of His assignment, we must be willing to say yes to the One who calls us.
It is easy to tell God we are available when His plans agree with ours. We readily say yes when the assignment is enjoyable, the outcome is predictable, or the recognition is rewarding. But what happens when obedience requires sacrifice? What happens when God calls us to forgive someone, serve quietly, share our faith, or change a comfortable routine?
A true hineni is not simply a willingness to do what we already wanted to do. It is a willingness to surrender our preferences to God's purposes.
The same invitation applies to us today. God may not call us in an audible voice as He called Samuel, but His Word clearly reveals much of what He desires from His people. We know we are called to love our neighbors, forgive those who hurt us, care for those in need, make disciples, and live holy lives. The question is not whether we have enough opportunities to serve. The question is whether we are available when those opportunities come.
Take a moment today to pray, "Lord, here I am." Then be prepared to follow through. Someone may need your encouragement. A family member may need your patience. A coworker may need to hear about the hope of Jesus. The Lord can use an available heart in ordinary moments.
Prayer: Lord, here I am. I want to be available for Your purposes, not merely my own. Teach me to listen before I act and to trust You when Your plans differ from mine. Give me a willing heart, a humble spirit, and the courage to say yes when You call. May my life bring honor to Jesus. Amen.
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