“Then the LORD called Samuel. “Here I am,” Samuel responded. He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am. You called me.”…“Go, lie down,” Eli told Samuel. “When he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD. I’m listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his room. The LORD came and stood there. He called as he had called the other times: “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak. I’m listening.” 1Samuel 3:4-5,9-10 (GW)
We are all familiar with the story of God calling out to Samuel.
However, we need to pay attention to these scriptures again today.
Notice the three times God initially called Samuel:
He kept going to Eli.
He only heard the voice.
Even though he was living in the temple, he did not know God’s voice.
“Samuel had no experience with the LORD because the Lord’s word had not yet been revealed to him.” 1 Samuel 3:7(GW)
Are you familiar with being in God’s environment?
Do You know Him as your Lord and Savior?
Finally, when he was guided on knowing that it was God calling:
Two things happened.
He stopped running to Eli.
He focused his attention on God.
It was then God came and stood by Him.
God called previously to get his attention.
Now when he recognized God’s voice and turned to Him
God Spoke.
Before now, God had been calling, but God did not speak.
You can hear God’s voice and if your focused attention is not on him.
You may still be running to Eli.
Are you hearing God’s voice, but your attention is still on a man?
For God to speak to You, He demands your complete attention.
From that encounter, Samuel learned not to let go of God.
God stood by him. 
He stayed daily focused and waited on Him for His Word.
No wonder the testimonies:
“Samuel grew up. The LORD was with him and didn’t let any of his words go unfulfilled.” 1 Samuel 3:19(GW)
Everyone knew God was with Samuel.
There was no publicity stunt, no manipulations.
“All Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew Samuel was the LORD’s appointed prophet.”1 Samuel 3:20(GW)
Daily Hearing from God, Walking, and Working with Him produces Results.
Is the Lord still standing by You?
Are You still abiding in His Presence?