Divine Relationship: Moving from Service to Intimacy

Are you serving God, or do you truly know Him? Young Samuel lived in the temple, but his life didn't change until he heard God call his name. This week, we explore the difference between "religion" and a Divine Relationship. Discover how to hear God’s voice in the noise, how to trust Him during seasons of silence, and how a total surrender to His Spirit produces the fruit of a transformed life.

C. Atkinson

9/6/20242 min read

“Samuel did not yet know the Lord because he had never had a message from the Lord before. So the Lord called a third time... And Samuel replied, ‘Speak, your servant is listening.’” — 1 Samuel 3:7-10

Praise the Lord, saints of God! Happy September! I greet you in the wonderful name of Jesus. As I write, the lyrics of that classic hymn flow through my heart like a river: “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege it is to carry everything to God in prayer.” It truly is a privilege to have a Divine Relationship with the Creator, made possible only through the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

The Call to Encounter

Our focus scripture shows us young Samuel serving in the temple. He was "working for" God by assisting Eli, but he did not yet know God. His Divine Relationship didn't begin until he had a personal encounter with the Voice of the Lord.

John 6:44 tells us that no one comes to the Son unless the Father draws them. Have you felt that drawing? That moment where the Lord whispers your name and calls you out of your routine and into His presence? It is a beautiful, sacred place to be.

Reconciliation, Not Religion

Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus came with a specific mission: to seek and save the lost and to reconcile us to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). He didn't come to start a religion; He came to restore a relationship.

The word "divine" comes from the Greek theias, meaning "proceeding directly from God." This isn't something we can manufacture through rituals. 2 Peter 1:3 reminds us that His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him.

The Heartbeat of the Father

A Divine Relationship means being sensitive to God's touch, His voice, and His timing. It’s about feeling His heartbeat as you walk through your day.

I remember a moment during worship when I was singing "Holy Spirit, You are Welcome Here." The presence of God became so heavy and holy that I instinctively removed my shoes. The entire atmosphere shifted; our human agendas had to bow. When the King enters the room, "flesh" has no place to glory—only submission and worship remain.

When God is Silent

Sometimes, like Samuel, we hear Him clearly. Other times, the Lord is silent. This can be an uncomfortable place, but remember: Silence does not mean absence. A friend once told me, "When God is silent, He is working on your vessel." Think of Mary, the mother of Jesus. After the angel’s message, there were long periods of silence and waiting. Yet, she remained rooted in the promise. God chooses the "foolish" and "powerless" things of the world to shame the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27-31). If you are in a season of silence, stay planted. He is refining you for a miracle.

Living by the Spirit

This relationship requires us to crucify the "mind of the flesh," which is naturally hostile to God (Romans 8:7). Instead, we must let the Holy Spirit guide every part of our lives. When we do, we begin to bear fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Let us be like the "Generals of Faith"—Peter, Paul, Mary Magdalene, and Stephen—who tasted and saw that the Lord is good. No matter how difficult life becomes, our anchor is our Divine Relationship.

As you grow, may the Lord be with you, and may your words prove reliable, just as they did for Samuel.

Have a blessed and wonderful weekend!