Long, long ago, in Samuel’s day, it was deemed that the Lord no longer interacted with His people. It can seem that way today as well. We call upon God, we invoke His presence in our prayer and worship, we expect Him to guide our ways—but it is easy in this world of ours to live with an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality. Paul appeals to us not to conform to this way of life, but to transform it by renewing our way of thinking. Jesus is open with his disciples (including us!) that it may bring us under fire; but He assures us the Holy Spirit will be with us all the way.