1 Samuel 3:19-21 – God’s effective instrument

When God wants to make a seismic change, He needs a man. Throughout the Scriptures we find this to be true. He would raise up an instrument to effect epic transformation in the lives of His people. The future of the nation and the failure of Eli and his sons necessitated the change of leadership. The birth and call of Samuel brought about the next phase of God’s plan.

God had just revealed Himself to Samuel who had grown increasingly. For God to speak to him at this time meant that the time had come. It is important to note that the Lord would bring every word that Samuel said to pass, for He was with him. The difference in a ministry and the impact it will make rests on this all-important foundation – the presence of the LORD with that person and his ministry. If God is not with him, nothing one does matter. If God is with that ministry, nothing will fail. He Himself will provide the ability to see and sense His moment. With God, timing is important. He knows exactly the right moment. Samuel was prepared and now was ready to take on the role he was prepared for. God would not allow a word that came from him to fail. In other words, everything Samuel said came to pass.

Verse 20 shows us the impact of Samuel’s ministry. All over Israel from Dan to Beersheba, his reputation as a man of God went before him. God confirmed everything he would say. He was established as a prophet because not a word he said failed. This tells us that the proof of an authentic ministry is the affirmation that would come from the LORD. The result would impact the lives of the people for good. It would align the people to the plan and purpose of God.  

God’s word is critical to the success of a ministry as we can see in the ministry of Samuel. The world was brought forth by His word. He said and everything came into being according to what He said. Hebrews 4:12-13 show us how potent the word of God is. “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Remember the word of God is spirit and life. We must cultivate a listening ear to hear what God has to say and then a life that will obey Him without question. Let us seek the word of God and then live it out.