God had a plan and a purpose for Samuel. He called Him to lead and to serve. You may not hear the audible voice of God the way Samuel did – but He is calling you, too. He has a plan and a purpose for you. He intends to use the gifts, abilities and passions He’s given you for His glory and the good of others. And He has a plan and purpose for your children. He created them with a vision for their lives. Isn’t that amazing? He calls each of us by name – with a plan and for a purpose.

Israel had finally made it to the promised land of Canaan.  It should have been a joyous time, but it was not. God installed judges - military and political leaders - to govern the people and lead them in obedience to Him.  Yet, over and over again, the people rebelled against God. God would then raise up another judge.  The people would live obediently for a while but then, inevitably, would return to trusting in their own desires and judgments rather than in God's word. It was undoubtedly one of the darkest periods in Israel's history. 

God promised to give the land of Cannan to Abraham's descendants. But Canaan was occupied by a powerful enemy. There was no way Isreal could defeat the Canaanites alone.  They had to rely on God - and He cam through.  He commanded them to march around the formidable city of Jericho once a day for six days.  On the seventh day they marched around it seven times.  The walls of Jericho crumbled as they completed their seventh lap.  God fought for them.  His instructions seem crazy but He came through in a powerful way.