by Victoria Heinecke and Rebecca Kuenn

God is always standing by.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“And the Lord called Samuel again the third time.”
1 Samuel 3:8a English Standard Version (ESV)

I’ve been working at the gym for five months, and I’m still not accustomed to using a walkie-talkie. It’s an essential piece of equipment on my tool belt, along with first aid supplies and a CPR mask. If an emergency arises, I have to know how to use it to call for help. The phrase, “What’s your 20” means “where are you?” It’s used to help people find each other.

We use walkie-talkies to communicate with each other, although sometimes I prefer walking around the gym until I find the person I’m looking for. Prior to now, I’ve never used one. I’m about as comfortable with it as I am with a TV remote control (where’s a teenager when you need one?).

I’ve learned a lot about walkie-talkies, and the lessons I’ve learned remind me of preparing to talk to God in Word and prayer:

Remember to turn your walkie-talkie on!  A person can’t communicate with you if you’re turned off.

Be sure to turn the volume up! It’s hard to hear a call in a noisy gym when the volume is low.

Is the walkie-talkie set to the right channel? You might hear chatter on another network that’s not yours.

When talking on a walkie-talkie, one must press a button before talking, and let go of the button to get an answer. You can’t hear a response if you’re in “talk” mode.

At night, the closing employee must remember to put the walkie-talkie back in the charging dock.  We can’t communicate if the battery is drained.

All of these tips, however, don’t help if your walkie-talkie isn’t clipped to your belt.

When your spiritual walkie-talkie – God’s word – is clipped to your belt, you’re always ready to listen to God. Keep your heart tuned towards Him and be ready for His voice when he calls.

 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”
1 Samuel  3:10 ESV

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado