The Lord Was with Him  – Greg Laurie Devotion – February 16, 2026

Biblical Context

First Samuel is a pivotal book in the Old Testament, bridging the era of the Judges and the establishment of the Israelite monarchy. It chronicles the life of Samuel, a prophet, priest, and the last of Israel’s judges, who anointed the first two kings, Saul and David. Though the book does not explicitly name its author, tradition largely attributes its early sections to Samuel himself, with later prophetic schools likely completing and compiling the narrative after his death. The book offers a critical historical and theological account of Israel’s spiritual decline under the corrupt priesthood of Eli and the rise of a new spiritual leader, Samuel, whose life exemplifies faithfulness and obedience to God amidst national turmoil. The passage in 1 Samuel 3 details Samuel’s prophetic calling, setting the stage for his impactful ministry and establishing his divine authority.

Key Word Study

From 1 Samuel 3:19, the NLT states, “everything Samuel said proved to be reliable.” The Hebrew word underlying “reliable” or “established” in this context is primarily derived from the verb אָמַן (aman), which means “to be firm, trustworthy, dependable, established, confirmed.” This root is notably the source of the word “Amen,” signifying truth and certainty. In Samuel’s case, it indicates that God Himself affirmed and confirmed Samuel’s words, validating his prophetic office and ensuring that his messages carried undeniable divine authority. It wasn’t merely that Samuel was generally truthful; rather, his every utterance, as a mouthpiece for God, was unequivocally *true* and *fulfilled*, demonstrating God’s direct involvement in his ministry and establishing his credibility before all Israel.

The Extraordinary Accolades of Samuel

First Samuel 3:19 contains two extraordinary accolades regarding the prophet Samuel: “The Lord was with him” and “Everything Samuel said proved to be reliable” (nlt). These are not mere compliments; they are profound statements of divine endorsement and supernatural empowerment. To have the very presence of the Almighty constantly with you, guiding your steps and strengthening your resolve, is a blessing beyond measure. Furthermore, for “everything Samuel said” to “proved to be reliable” meant that his words carried divine authority and never fell to the ground unfulfilled. In an age where truth was often obscured and spiritual guidance was scarce, Samuel stood as a beacon of God’s unwavering truth.

But these accolades raise some important questions that naturally stir our curiosity: Why Samuel? What was it about this young man that captivated the Lord’s attention and earned him such a unique distinction? Why did the Lord choose to be with him in such a tangible and consistent way? And why did the Lord make sure that everything he said proved to be reliable, establishing his prophetic voice above all others? These are the questions that many of us, aspiring to walk closely with God, might ponder in our own lives.

Clues from a Boy’s Calling

The Bible doesn’t answer those questions directly, offering an explicit “why” for God’s choice. However, it does offer some profound clues that unveil the heart and character that God values. Earlier in the chapter, we learn a crucial detail about Samuel’s upbringing: as a boy, Samuel served the Lord by assisting the priest Eli in the tabernacle. This was a young life dedicated to sacred service, a life lived in proximity to God’s presence, even before his prophetic anointing.

The narrative of Samuel’s calling is perhaps one of the most endearing and instructive in all of Scripture. One night, while Samuel was sleeping in the tabernacle, he heard someone call his name. Assuming, quite reasonably, that it was Eli, the venerable high priest he served, Samuel rushed to the priest to see how he could be of service. His immediate response was not annoyance or hesitation, but a servant’s readiness. But it wasn’t Eli who had called him. This pattern repeated: three times Samuel heard the voice. And three times he, with an unwavering spirit of helpfulness, rushed to Eli.

It was Eli, recognizing the divine pattern, who instructed Samuel. The fourth time Samuel heard his name called, instead of running to Eli, he simply and humbly said, “Speak, your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10 nlt). This moment marks a profound shift. It demonstrates a heart that was not only willing to serve but also willing to listen and discern God’s voice directly. His humility, his unwavering availability, and his eagerness to serve, even when mistaken, set the stage for God’s powerful work through him.

Availability: The Deciding Factor

Why did God use Samuel in such a powerful way? The biblical narrative strongly suggests it was “probably because he was available—not just during business hours, but in the middle of the night, out of a dead slumber.” His availability was not conditional; it transcended convenience and personal comfort. He was eager to serve every time his name was called. This isn’t merely about physical presence; it’s about a spiritual posture, a readiness of heart and mind to respond to God’s summons at any moment. Samuel didn’t choose the timing or the nature of the call; he simply chose to be ready for it.

Believers today can learn a lot from Samuel. The call to be available to God is as relevant now as it was then. We should always be available to be used by God, cultivating a heart that echoes Samuel’s unwavering commitment. Our prayer should reflect this deep desire: “Lord, You can use me anytime, anywhere, for any purpose—whether it’s my day off or not. I may be out surfing or on the golf course or out snowboarding, enjoying my leisure, but I want You to call on me. I am always available to represent You. Please call on me.” Every Christian must strive to live with this spirit, available and ready to echo the profound, life-altering words of Samuel: “Speak, your servant is listening.” This isn’t just a phrase; it’s a declaration of surrender and eagerness to participate in God’s divine plan.

God Seeks Availability, Not Just Ability

One of the most liberating truths from Samuel’s story is that “God is not looking for ability as much as He is looking for availability.” This challenges a common misconception that often hinders believers. Many of us fall into the trap of thinking, “God only uses the really talented people. He will never use me. There’s not much I can offer Him.” We compare ourselves to others, focusing on our perceived weaknesses, shortcomings, or lack of extraordinary gifts.

However, God’s criteria are fundamentally different from man’s. “But God is looking for someone simply to be available and to let Him be strong on their behalf.” This is a revolutionary concept! God isn’t primarily looking for strong people who can accomplish great things in their own might. Instead, “He is looking for weak people through whom He can be strong.” This profound truth means that every single person is qualified to be used by God. Your perceived weaknesses are not obstacles; they are opportunities for God’s power to be magnified. This means God can use you, regardless of your background, your education, your past, or your natural talents.

Practical Ways to Cultivate Availability

There is no telling how God will use you. His plans are often far beyond our imagination, intricate and perfectly tailored to His divine purpose. But while we cannot predict His methods, we can actively make ourselves available to Him. This involves intentionality and spiritual alertness.

One crucial way is “by putting yourself in the right place at the right time as much as possible.” This isn’t about mere chance; it’s about intentional positioning. You can’t share your faith with others, comfort the hurting, or serve the needy if you don’t interact or spend time with them. This means engaging with your community, being present in your church, intentionally building relationships, and being open to divine appointments. It involves actively seeking out opportunities where God might want to work through you, rather than passively waiting for Him to drop them into your lap.

Another vital way to make yourself available to Him is “to stay alert to the opportunities He sends your way.” God often works in the subtle, the everyday, the unexpected. An opportunity might come disguised as a casual conversation, a sudden prompting to pray for someone, a chance encounter, or an unexpected request for help. Spiritual alertness means cultivating a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading, being attentive to the needs around you, and being willing to step out in faith even when the path isn’t perfectly clear. This is how you prepare yourself for when God’s plan puts you in the right place at the right time—by being spiritually attuned and actively engaged with the world around you, always asking, "How can I be Your hands and feet here, now?"

So, we must ask ourselves: Are you available to be used by God? If not, why don’t you let the Lord know that you would like Him to call upon you? Be specific in your prayer, offering yourself wholeheartedly. If Samuel’s story teaches us anything, it’s that God may call upon you before the night is over, or perhaps in the quiet moments of your day. Be ready, be willing, and be available, for God is eager to work through a yielded heart.