Dugout Devotions | God Calls All Types

If God can call Samuel, God can call you

Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10

Ask your children to retell the story or you can retell the story.

Samuel's story begins with his mother, Hannah. She prayed to God for a long time because she really wanted a baby. She promised that if God gave her a son, she would dedicate him to God's service. God heard Hannah's prayers, and she had a baby boy named Samuel!

When Samuel was still very young, Hannah kept her promise and took him to live with Eli, the priest, at the Tabernacle, which is a big, beautiful tent where people worshipped God. Samuel helped Eli with his work and learned about God every day. Even though he was just a child, Samuel loved God with all his heart and tried his best to serve Him.

One night, something incredible happened. Samuel was sleeping when he heard someone call his name. He thought it was Eli, so he ran to him and said, "Here I am!" But Eli hadn't called him and told Samuel to go back to bed. This happened three times! Finally, Eli realized that God was calling Samuel. He told Samuel to say, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."

When Samuel did that, God spoke to him and gave him a very important message. This was the beginning of Samuel's journey as a prophet, someone who hears from God and shares His messages with others.

Ask your children if they have ever heard God speak to them. Remember, God can speak to us as He did to Samuel or in a variety of other ways. God can call us at any time or place. And the great part is that when God calls us, He will equip us and help us do whatever He is calling us to do. That help can come through the Holy Spirit, through our family or friends, and even our church family.

Consider these questions with your children:

• What are some ways you think God might speak to us today?
  Discuss different ways God might communicate, such as through prayer, the Bible, other people, or feelings in our hearts.

• How can we make sure we are listening for God's voice like Samuel did?
  Talk about the importance of quiet time, prayer, and being open to hearing from God.

• Have you ever felt that God was asking you to do something special? How did you know?
  Share personal stories or feelings about times when you felt called to do something by God.

• What are some ways we can serve God in our daily lives, just like Samuel served Eli in the Tabernacle?
  Brainstorm ideas as a family on how you can serve God at home, at school, or in your community.

• How can our family support each other in listening to and following God's call?
  Discuss how family members can encourage and help one another to follow God's guidance, offering examples and practical steps.

Pray this prayer with your children: Dear God, Thank you for Samuel and Eli. Thank you for calling them, and thank you for calling me. Give me what I need to do the work you have called me to do, and let the work you send me to do remind others of your love for them. We’ll talk to you later. Amen.