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"So Samuel told him everything, and hid nothing from him. And he said, 'It is the LORD. Let Him do what seems good to Him.'"
(1 Samuel 3:18)
It is one thing to listen when God speaks; it is another thing to obey when His instructions are difficult. Samuel discovered this very early in his life. After the Lord called him, He gave the young boy a serious message of judgment concerning Eli and his household. Eli had failed to restrain his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, despite knowing about their wicked behavior. God had warned that judgment was coming.
Imagine being Samuel. You are a young boy serving under an older priest who has been your spiritual authority. You have received a message from God, but it is a message that will be painful for Eli to hear. Samuel was afraid to tell him what the Lord had said. Nevertheless, when Eli asked him directly, Samuel told him everything and hid nothing.
Samuel's first prophetic assignment was not easy! But he fulfilled it faithfully. His example teaches us that obedience is not measured only by how eagerly we respond to pleasant instructions. Sometimes faithfulness means doing what is right even when it is uncomfortable, costly, or unpopular.
We face similar challenges today. Sharing the Gospel can be difficult because people have different beliefs and ideas about God. Recently, while talking with a friend at the gym, I mentioned that our church loves God and people. He responded by asking, "Which God?" That question opened the door for me to explain that we worship the Creator God who made everything. I could respect my friend's question and treat him with dignity while still being clear about what I believe.
That is an important balance. Our responsibility is to speak the truth in love; it is God's responsibility to do the convincing and convicting. We should never use truth as an excuse to be harsh, but neither should we use kindness as an excuse to remain silent about Jesus.
Corrie ten Boom and her family also faced a difficult assignment. During World War II, they helped hide Jewish people in the Netherlands from the Nazis. Their actions led to their arrest and imprisonment in concentration camps. Corrie's sister Betsie and their father died, but Corrie survived and later shared a powerful message of faith and forgiveness around the world. Her life reminds us that God can give us strength when we need it, even when we do not feel strong enough beforehand.
What difficult act of obedience is God placing before you? Perhaps you need to have an honest conversation, extend forgiveness, share your faith, or take a stand for what is right. Do not wait until obedience feels easy. Trust God to provide the courage you need for the next step.
Prayer: Father, give me the courage to obey You when obedience is difficult. Help me speak the truth with love, treat others with respect, and remain faithful even when I face opposition. Remind me that I do not have to manufacture my own strength. Help me trust You to supply what I need when I need it. In Jesus' name, amen.
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