As Samuel grew up, the LORD was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable.
(1 Samuel 3:19 NLT)
I also love the NIV translation of this verse, “The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground.” In Scripture, we’re told that the Word of our God stands forever, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8 NKJV). The words Samuel spoke proved reliable because they were the very words of God! He was a true prophet who spoke for God.
In the Bible, God has graciously given us the test of a true prophet, “You may say to yourselves, “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?” If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed” (Deuteronomy 18:21-22 NIV). So the next time you find yourself questioning whether someone’s word is truly a word from God, wait and see if their word proves true.
Rising with the Son 