April 21

In 1 Samuel 3, we see young Samuel learning to recognize God's voice. When God calls him in the night, he doesn’t understand at first, but under Eli’s guidance, he responds:  “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10)  

Samuel’s willingness to listen and obey sets him apart as a faithful servant of God. As he grows, his trust in the Lord strengthens, even when he must deliver difficult messages.  

Similarly, in Acts 6, we see Stephen, a man "full of faith and the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5), chosen to serve the early church. His faithfulness in small tasks prepares him for greater boldness when he later testifies before his persecutors. Like Samuel, Stephen listens to God, trusts Him, and walks in obedience—even in the face of great opposition.  

Through all of life’s challenges, we are reminded in Psalm 23 that we do not walk alone. David declares:  “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1)  

Whether we are learning to hear God's voice like Samuel, serving in faithfulness like Stephen, or walking through difficult valleys, God is with us. He leads, provides, and strengthens us for whatever lies ahead.  

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