"Yes, Lord, your servant is listening." --1 Samuel 3:10Read Samuel 3

I've been taking meetings this week for the next year's PrayFit RISE conference, and I find myself praying for God's will and protection more than ever before. Have you ever been in such a place? I just want Him to be pleased. As I sit around listening to all sorts of voices around the room, all I want to hear is His.

In 1 Samuel, young Samuel was awakened by God three times, but he thought Eli was calling him. And as we learned from the text, when Eli finally understood what was happening, he instructed Samuel to answer God with, "Yes, Lord, your servant is listening."

Makes me wonder: Could we already be as fit as necessary to accomplish God's will for our lives, but so focused on being as fit as possible that we miss it? (Who could write an entry with that question? Read it again. Any volunteers?) And if we are as fit as necessary (or as possible), are we listening? Like, really listening?

Anyway, Samuel ended his life as well as he started. His mom, Hannah, had trouble conceiving him but the Bible says that God remembered her. And because of that, she named her baby "Samuel" which means "The Lord hears". Maybe it's just me, but I think it's neat how the very first words from young Samuel (The Lord hears) were, "Yes Lord. Your servant is listening."

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Samuel ended up being one of the most obedient and effective men in the Bible. A priest, judge, a prophet and an anointer of kings. And, appropriate for us at PrayFit, he was the one that God told, "Do not look at his outer appearance...For the Lord does not see what man sees. Man looks at the outer appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." Friends, I don't want us to ever miss what God has for any aspect of our lives. I want us to hear what God wants and for us to put everything we have to use for His glory. For me, I may not have the physical tools I used to, but my heart's ears still work. And God hears those who are listening.

REGISTRATION for PrayFit RISE coming soon!

PrayFit Rise is the first faith and fitness conferences of its kind; an experience that celebrates Jesus, His love, our growth in grace and service to the community while seeing health through the Gospel’s lens. Promoting PrayFit Rise is Exercise Physiologist and New York Times bestselling author Jimmy Peña - founder of PrayFit Ministries.

PrayFit RISE will allow everyone of all ages to celebrate faith while learning to live a healthier, humble, modest, service-driven, grace-filled life.

Spanning across Los Angeles and surrounding areas, invitations will touch as many as possible and marketed as a celebration of Jesus, His love and grace, faith, fitness, food and more! Preachers, world-renowned Christian speakers, dietitians, fitness experts, surprise celebrity visits, and one of America’s most adored Christian bands will be on-hand at PrayFit Rise to make it an unbelievable experience for everyone.

To partner or to become a sponsor, send us an email at info@prayfit.com. Venue to be announced in the coming days!