November 2019

1 Samuel – Listening to God and Leading with Faith

This month, our Bible journey continues with 1 Samuel, a book about transition, leadership, and learning to listen to God’s voice. It marks the shift from judges to kings and shows us what happens when God’s guidance is sought — and what happens when it is ignored.

At its heart, 1 Samuel reminds us that God looks at the heart, not outwar

d appearances, and that true leadership begins with obedience.

Key Themes from 1 Samuel:

  1. Hearing God’s Voice – God speaks, but we must be willing to listen.
  2. God’s Choice Over Human Preference – God’s plans often differ from what people expect.
  3. Obedience Over Sacrifice – Faithfulness matters more than outward actions.

Key Stories or Passages:

  • Hannah’s Prayer (1 Samuel 1): Hannah pours out her heart to God, and He responds.
    Lesson: God hears our prayers, even when they come from deep pain and longing.
  • Samuel’s Call (1 Samuel 3): God calls Samuel in the quiet of the night.
    Lesson: Learning to recognise God’s voice takes attentiveness and humility.
  • David Anointed King (1 Samuel 16): God chooses David, not for his stature, but for his heart.
    Lesson: God values character and faithfulness over appearance or position.

Practical Applications:

  1. Create intentional quiet time this month to listen for God’s voice through prayer and Scripture.
  2. Reflect on your heart posture — are your actions flowing from obedience or obligation?
  3. Trust God’s direction, even when it doesn’t align with human expectations.

Reflection Questions:

  • How can I better recognise and respond to God’s voice?
  • Where might I be valuing appearance or approval over obedience?
  • What does faithful leadership look like in my everyday life?

Closing Encouragement:
Lord, teach me to listen when You speak. Shape my heart to value obedience, humility, and faithfulness. Help me trust Your choices and follow Your guidance, even when the path feels unfamiliar.