I've been taking meetings this week for the launch of the iPrayFit Project, 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? Or on the other hand, some of us need to be as fit as possible in order to be as fit as necessary! Whichever the case, are we 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."

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 some, that may mean more focus on physical stewardship, it may mean less, or it may mean putting to better use the gifts you already have to serve others. In any case, I'm honored to be listening with you. We're here, Lord. Listening for You.

- Jimmy Peña