Discipleship is a much more difficult process that aims to transform us into the person we were created to be – the image of God in the world. As we see in the story of Eli and Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-21) this process requires that we point others back to God, rather than ourselves and our own knowledge and ability. We must teach others to listen for God, and in return, be willing to listen ourselves.

Questions for Reflection:

• What distinction would you make between the word “develop” and the word “disciple?”

• Have you ever had a mentor? Did that person serve as more of a developer or a discipler?

• Have you ever been surprised by God’s presence or work in your life?

• Are there voices speaking into your life currently that are distracting you from the voice of God? Are you, perhaps, being that voice in another’s life?

• What can you begin doing this week to cultivate a posture of expectation?

Practice: Listening

A listening exercise adapted from Days of Deepening Friendship by Vinita Wright.
Take some time each day this week to practice listening. Listen to everything – the sound of traffic, nature, voices, and the sounds of stillness and quiet. Try listening intentionally for five to ten minutes every day. You could listen during a coffee break, your morning commute, or your bedtime routine. Regardless of when you choose to listen, be present to whatever you hear.

Then, gradually, tune into the voice of God coming through in these moments. This voice will echo in sounds you may already be noticing. It may emerge in the fragments of conversation you overhear, the laughter of your children, or the peace of silence.
Try spending a few moments each day listening for God. Simply begin by offering a short prayer, like “Speak, your servant is listening,” or “God, help me tune in to your voice.”

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