Daily Devo
Hearing God's Voice
By: Lisa Hodgins
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”
Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. 1 Samuel 3:8
When my mischievous boys were teenagers, they knew if I used their first, middle and last names, it meant they were in trouble. How about you? When you're trying to get someone’s attention, do you repeat their name until you get their full attention?
God called Samuel's name three times before Eli recognized it was the Lord's voice. When he realized it was God, he told Samuel the next time it happened to tell God this: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” I Samuel 3:9
When the disciples were bickering about who was greater, Jesus told them God's kingdom was different than they expected. But when Jesus wanted to get Peter’s full attention, He called out his name twice. Peter was probably distracted by the arguing, but Jesus had something important to tell him. Jesus wanted to warn Peter about an upcoming test of his faith. After Jesus warned him, He encouraged Peter to use his faith to strengthen others.
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32
When Moses went to find out why a bush was continuously burning, God called out his name twice. Scripture doesn't say, but I think God called him twice to get his full attention. Why? Because God wanted Moses to focus on His voice instead of staring at that burning bush.
When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” Exodus 3:4
Are we listening for God’s voice when He speaks? Are we too busy? Are life's distractions keeping us from listening attentively? My favorite times to hear from God are when I get alone with Him. No television, no people, and no distractions! Just a quiet, private time spent with my Heavenly Father. Christ follower, does God have your full attention? His Word tells us He always hears us when we speak to Him, can we say the same?
Make sure you are attentively listening for God's voice. A great way to do that is by getting away from anything that might distract you. Turn off the TV, put down your phone, and just like Eli, tell God: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” I Samuel 3:9
Read: Matthew 7:24, 1 John 2:24, Revelation 3:20