Perpetual Relationship

"Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him....Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy." Judges 3:7

I recently celebrated another year of life. After complaining to someone about some recent "aches and pains" they replied, "That's proof that you're not dead yet." Which makes so much sense! When we reach the point where we cannot feel, we might as well say we are dead.

On the night when Samuel was being awakened by the Lord, Eli was dying. He wasn't dying in his flesh, but in his spirit. What a sad night for Eli! Realizing he had lost touch with the Lord, but was still able to guide Samuel to Him. Eli still had a vague memory of what the Lord's voice was. Although Judges 3:1 says, "In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions", it's hard for me not to think that Eli felt lonesome as he reminisced on his former relationship with the Lord.

I have heard it said, that if we are not growing in God, then we are dying (or backsliding). Right now, evaluate your heart. Ask God to show you the areas that have been compromised. Let us never have to reminisce on our former relationship or experiences with God, but let us live it perpetually!