Sometimes I think the so called modern translations go just a bit too far in trying to simplify the language. In chapter 3, verse 3 there’s the phrase “the Holy Box”. Other translations call it “the ark of God”. It was the Ark of the Covenant.

Anyway, I’d like to share with you what F. B. MEYER wrote about Samuel and how God called him that night while he tried to sleep in the temple. Meyer starts by quoting the scripture:

“And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel!”

See the urgency of God! Four times He came and stood, and called. Mark how He stands at the door to knock. At first He was content to call the lad once by name: but after three unsuccessful attempts to attract him to himself, He uttered the name twice, with strong urgency in the appeal, Samuel! Samuel! This has been called God’s double knock. There are seven or eight of these double knocks in Scripture: Simon, Simon; Saul Saul; Abraham, Abraham.

How may we be sure of a divine call?

We may know God’s call when it grows in intensity. If an impression comes into your soul and you are not quite sure of its origin, pray overit; above all, act on it so far as possible, follow in the direction in which it leads—and as you lift up your soul before God, it will wax or wane. If it wanes at all, abandon it. If it waxes follow it, though all hell attempt to stay you.

We may test God’s call by the assistance of godly friends. The aged Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child, and gave him good advice as to the manner in which he should respond to it. Our special gifts and the drift of our circumstances will also assuredly concur in one of God’s calls.

We may test God’s call by its effect on us. Does it lead to self-denial? Does it induce us to leave the comfortable bed and step into the cold? Does it drive us forth to minister to others? Does it make us more unselfish, loving, tender, modest, humble? Whatever is to the humbling of our
pride, and the glory of God, may be truly deemed God’s call. Be quick to respond, and fearlessly deliver the message the Lord has given you. Great Verses Through the Bible

Have you felt the call of God on your life? I have. The most memorable one for me was when God called me, back in 2004, to begin the Lifespring! podcast. I’ve told the story before, so I won’t do it here because our time is up. But my experience was as real as Samuel’s was, and the effects of that call are what you are listening to right now.

If you have experienced something similar, I would love to hear it. Leave a comment below.