Text to Speech Voices

The story of Samuel teaches children an important lesson: God speaks to those who are willing to listen. Samuel was a young boy who served God under the leadership of Eli the priest. Although he was still young, God had an important purpose for his life. Samuel's story shows us the importance of listening carefully, responding to God's instructions, and obeying His Word.

Samuel's mother, Hannah, prayed earnestly for a child and promised to dedicate him to the Lord. God answered her prayer, and when Samuel was old enough, she brought him to the house of the Lord to serve Him (1 Samuel 1:27–28). From an early age, Samuel learned to serve God.

One night, while Samuel was sleeping, he heard someone call his name: "Samuel." He immediately got up and went to Eli, thinking that Eli had called him. Eli told him that he had not called him and instructed him to go back to sleep. This happened three times. Finally, Eli understood that it was the Lord calling Samuel.

Eli then gave Samuel some important advice. He told him to go and lie down again, and if the voice called him, he should say, "Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth" (1 Samuel 3:9).

Samuel obeyed Eli. When God called again, Samuel responded by listening. This was the beginning of Samuel's special relationship with God.

1 Samuel 3:10 says, "And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth."

Samuel teaches us that we must develop a heart that is ready to listen to God. God may not speak to us in exactly the same way He spoke to Samuel, but He speaks to us through His Word, the Bible. Psalm 119:105 says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." When we read the Bible, God teaches us what is right and helps us know how to live.

Listening to God also requires quietness and attention. Children are surrounded by many voices—parents, teachers, friends, television, music, social media, and the internet. Some of these voices can encourage us, while others can lead us away from God. We must learn to recognize what agrees with God's Word.

Samuel did not only hear God's message; he was willing to obey it. Hearing God's Word without obeying it is not enough. James 1:22 tells us, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only." A child who listens to God will demonstrate it through good behavior, honesty, kindness, obedience, forgiveness, and love.

Samuel also teaches us that age does not prevent someone from serving God. He was young, but God called him to an important responsibility. Young people should never think they are too young to pray, share God's love, help others, or be examples of Christian living.

1 Timothy 4:12 says, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers." God can use children and young people who are willing to listen and obey Him.

As Samuel grew, the Bible tells us that the Lord was with him and that none of Samuel's words fell to the ground (1 Samuel 3:19). His faithful relationship with God continued throughout his life. He became a respected prophet and leader in Israel.

The lesson for every child is simple: Listen when God speaks, learn His Word, and obey His instructions. When we pray, read the Bible, and pay attention to godly teaching, we become better prepared to recognize God's direction.

God still wants to guide His children today. He wants us to listen when His Word corrects us, encourages us, teaches us, and calls us to do what is right. Like Samuel, our response should be, "Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth."