Going in Grace

Today we’re looking at the life of the prophet Samuel—a man who served as priest, prophet, and judge during one of Israel’s most pivotal seasons. Samuel’s life is rich with lessons on obedience, discernment, and spiritual leadership. He was faithful from childhood to old age, yet even he faced challenges that remind us of the importance of listening to God and finishing well.

Acts 13:20 (NKJV) refers to Samuel as part of a lineage of judges God raised up: “After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.” Samuel wasn’t just a transitional figure—he was a spiritual anchor. His life teaches us how to hear God clearly, lead with integrity, and navigate change without compromising truth.

Let’s explore the good, the hard, and the wisdom we can apply today. Samuel’s story begins with a miracle. His mother, Hannah, prayed for a child and dedicated him to the Lord. 1 Samuel 1:9-11 & 20 – “So Hannah arose after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the tabernacle of the Lord. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish. Then she made a vow nd said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of our maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head." "So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the Lord.”

We see Samuel’s relationship with the Lord grow in 1 Samuel 3:10 (NKJV): “Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel answered, ‘Speak, for Your servant hears.” Even as a child, Samuel was positioned to hear God. He didn’t dismiss the voice. He responded with humility and readiness.

Lesson 1 is to cultivate a posture of listening. God speaks to those who are willing to hear and obey.
Samuel grew into a leader who was known for his integrity. 1 Samuel 12:3–4 (NKJV): “Here I am. Witness against me before the Lord and before His anointed: Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I received any bribe with which to blind my eyes? I will restore it to you. And they said, “You have not cheated us or oppressed us, nor have you taken anything from any man’s hand.” Samuel led without corruption. He didn’t exploit his position. He didn’t manipulate outcomes. He walked in righteousness.

Lesson 2 is that Leadership rooted in integrity builds trust and honors God. We shouldn’t compromise character for influence. When Israel demanded a king, it grieved Samuel deeply. 1 Samuel 8:7 (NKJV): “And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.” Samuel felt the sting of rejection, but God reminded him: it wasn’t personal—it was spiritual. Samuel obeyed, anointed Saul, and continued to serve faithfully.

Lesson 3 is that we should not take rejection personally. We should stay faithful to God’s assignment, even when people choose another path. When Saul failed, God sent Samuel to anoint a new king. Samuel assumed the eldest son of Jesse was the one—but God corrected him. 1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV): “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Even seasoned prophets can misjudge. But Samuel listened and obeyed.

Lesson 4 is that discernment requires humility. Don’t rely on appearances—seek God’s heart and let Him teach you about the people around you. Despite Samuel’s faithfulness, his sons didn’t follow in his footsteps. 1 Samuel 8:3 (NKJV): “But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.” This reminds us that even godly leaders face heartbreak at home. It’s a sobering reality—but not a disqualifier.

Lesson 5: Pray for your legacy, but don’t let personal disappointment derail your calling. Keep serving faithfully. Samuel’s life teaches us to listen well, lead with integrity, and obey even when it’s hard. He wasn’t perfect—but he was faithful.

Today, ask yourself:
• Am I listening for God’s voice?
• Am I leading with integrity?
• Am I discerning beyond the surface?
• Am I trusting God through rejection or disappointment?

Let Samuel’s life inspire you to walk boldly, humbly, and obediently. If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone. Be blessed and have a great rest of the week.

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