Growing Multigenerational FaithSample

So many of us listen to podcasts, audiobooks, music, and interviews in our free time as we pursue knowledge and wisdom. While the internet makes it more convenient to find information, it can be overwhelming and hard to differentiate between truth and lies, fact and fiction. It can also be difficult to try to discern what is godly and what is just marketed well. We hear so many voices that may even claim to follow God, but are ultimately found lacking. And let’s be real, nothing compares to hearing the voice of God Himself.

That’s what Samuel gets in 1 Samuel 3:1-10. In a moment of listening and waiting for Eli’s voice, Samuel hears God’s voice. When he doesn’t quite grasp who is speaking to him, Eli shares his wisdom from years of serving as God’s high priest. 12-year-old Samuel is then able to receive what God wanted to tell him because Eli was able to prepare him with how to respond to God: “Speak for your servant hears.” God chose Samuel at a young age to be His voice to the people of Israel. And He used Eli to help prepare Samuel to hear His voice.

Every generation has wisdom to pass on to the next. Passing on keys of leadership, wisdom, and hope is how the younger generations learn to hear God’s voice. He speaks to all differently, and yet we all hear His voice. We just need some help differentiating it from thousands or millions of others. How do you differentiate between the world’s voice and God’s? When was the last time you invited someone younger than you into your life and gave them this wisdom? You have wisdom to give. Don’t hold on to it. You don’t know whose life you will help shape.

Daniel & Hannah Frank - Next Generations Pastor, Young Adult Ministry

Questions to Consider

• Eli was less than perfect, and yet God used him to shape Samuel. Do you have excuses for not speaking into the lives of younger generations?
• Who is someone in your sphere of influence whom you can help discern the voice and work of God in their life?

Actions to Take

• Ask God to give you the opportunity to help someone know him.
• Take the risk of sharing what you sense God is doing in someone’s life, but be gentle and humble in your approach.

Prayer to Make

Heavenly Father, thank you for continuing to speak to people today through your Word, your Spirit, and your people. Help me hear you and understand your voice. Help me serve others to hear you and understand your voice in their lives. Amen.