Notice the state of the people of God at the beginning of this passage: “And the word of the LORD was rare in those days.” It was a time of spiritual apathy and disregard for the LORD and His ways. Even Samuel “did not yet know the LORD.” But that would change. God spoke directly to Samuel, not in a dream, not through a prophet, not even through His Word, but stood and spoke directly to him!
God doesn’t speak to us directly much anymore, instead He has given us His Word (see Hebrews 1:1-3). I do believe God still calls us, not necessarily all of us into formal ministry, but into areas of serving others, speaking to others about Christ, or simply to listen and be a friend to someone. Yet when we are called by God to do a specific task, we often do what Samuel did. We go to someone else, asking their opinion.
While the advice of good Christian friends is important, we need to first of all say the words Samuel said: “Speak, for your servant hears.” Spend some time in prayer, speaking to God. Listen to Him as He speaks through His Word. And step out in faith and do those things He is calling you to do!