The book of Samuel has several “main characters.” Eli, Saul, David, and of course Samuel. Throughout reading the first half of Samuel, God highlighted a very important fact. Samuel started well, which so many do, but he also ended well. Samuel never left the alter of prayer. He never let his position and power with God result in self inflation and pride. He was about God’s business, not his own.

Samuel was marked for God’s purpose before he was even conceived. His mama, Hannah, was a mighty woman of God. She sought the Lord in her time of need, made a huge promise - if the Lord would give her a baby she would give the baby back to Him for for the baby’s entire lifetime, and she also followed through with her part of that promise.

As a young man Samuel served in the ministry. He was the assistant to the priest, Eli, and could have easily gotten involved in the malicious things that Eli’s sons were involved in, but he did not. Because God saw Samuel’s heart, God called him by name.

As Samuel grew, God did not allow a word he be said to turn void. Samuel absolutely had to be mindful of what he said.

“As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable. And all Israel, from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord.” 1 Samuel‬ ‭3‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭

The Israelites had all they needed. Samuel was both judge and prophet. He was viewed as Israel’s last judge and first prophet. Samuel was the face that God chose, but The Lord was their king. He fought for them!

“When the Philistine rulers heard that Israel had gathered at Mizpah, they mobilized their army and advanced. The Israelites were badly frightened when they learned that the Philistines were approaching. “Don’t stop pleading with the Lord our God to save us from the Philistines!” they begged Samuel. So Samuel took a young lamb and offered it to the Lord as a whole burnt offering. He pleaded with the Lord to help Israel, and the Lord answered him. Just as Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines arrived to attack Israel. But the Lord spoke with a mighty voice of thunder from heaven that day, and the Philistines were thrown into such confusion that the Israelites defeated them. The men of Israel chased them from Mizpah to a place below Beth-car, slaughtering them all along the way.” 1 Samuel‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬-‭11‬ ‭

Look at the result!

“So the Philistines were subdued and didn’t invade Israel again for some time. And throughout Samuel’s lifetime, the Lord’s powerful hand was raised against the Philistines.” 1 Samuel‬ ‭7‬:‭13‬ ‭

However, the people did not want a prophet as their military leader. They wanted a king. Even after Samuel is rejected by the people, Samuel’s character stayed intact.

““Don’t be afraid,” Samuel reassured them. “You have certainly done wrong (by asking for a king), but make sure now that you worship the Lord with all your heart, and don’t turn your back on him. Don’t go back to worshiping worthless idols that cannot help or rescue you—they are totally useless! The Lord will not abandon his people, because that would dishonor his great name. For it has pleased the Lord to make you his very own people. “As for me, I will certainly not sin against the Lord by ending my prayers for you. And I will continue to teach you what is good and right. But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you. But if you continue to sin, you and your king will be swept away.”” 1 Samuel‬ ‭12‬:‭20‬-‭25‬ ‭

Humility is often defined as power under control, emphasizing strength in restraint. This concept highlights that true humility does not equate to weakness but rather involves recognizing one's strengths while submitting to a God’s authority.

Samuel had great power, but he also had great wisdom to be able to do the things that he did and be used the way that he was used. From the beginning of his life to the end, God surely had great trust in Samuel.