The Message Behind the Voice

Decades ago, my sister told me a “funny” story about my niece who’d done something she shouldn’t. When my sister asked, “Why did you do that, Tammy?” Tammy said, “The devil made me do it.” To which my sister replied, “Well, then don’t listen to him next time.”

Have you ever paused and taken inventory of the myriad of voices speaking around you and at you? Family, friends, God, self, and especially today, social media. And of course the devil — Don’t listen to him!

Why take inventory? Because unless we recognize the messenger behind the voice, we risk inadvertently “hearing” the wrong message and end up a captive. Negligent listening is dangerous to the soul.

What we’re hearing today

Check out this verse that reflects what’s happening today and why we must make ourselves aware. (You’ll have to read the full story for yourself.)

The most vicious enemy of Israel said this to God’s people: “Say this to Hezekiah king of Judah, ‘Don’t let your God, whom you trust deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be handed over to the king of Assyria'” 2 Kings 19:10 (HCSB).

Don’t let your God, whom you trust deceive you…! This is a covert, insidious, message we’ve heard the devil say every day to Believers. Especially during the covid shutdown!

Let me break it down…

Don’t let your God, whom you trust deceive you by promising that … this shutdown will end well.

Don’t let your God, whom you trust deceive you by promising that … you’re going to come through okay.

Don’t let your God, whom you trust deceive you by promising that … your prayers could ever help stop the advancement of evil in the USA.

Don’t let your God, whom you trust deceive you by promising that … He will restore all things if you stay faithful to Him.

. . . Are you catching on? . . .

Don’t let your God, whom you trust deceive you by promising that … your life makes a difference.

Don’t let your God, whom you trust deceive you by promising that … He hears your prayers.

Don’t let your God, whom you trust deceive you by promising that … you’ve actually been forgiven for that horrible thing you did.

Don’t let your God, whom you trust deceive you by promising that … your prodigal is going to return.

Are you a captive?

What are these voices?

Do you recognize the voice of Fear, Shame, Pride, Arrogance, those blasphemous voices that thunder: “Don’t let the Lord God, whom you trust deceive you with His promises.”

These voices are making relentless attempts to exalt themselves above God’s Word. And the tone, or the emotion behind the voice, will alter to fit your circumstance. Their message attempts to fit you like a glove on a hand, making it sound like deep “wisdom” from your soul.

As if with a heavy sigh, Shame shakes his head at you, and whispers, “You know you’re guilty. If you tell anyone what you did, you’ll never live it down. Don’t let your God, whom you trust deceive you by promising unconditional love. Don’t fall for the lie about finding freedom in confession.”

When you hear the voice of Shame, take that thought captive and fire back at your enemy, “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ! I am in Christ. Instead of shame and dishonor, I’ll receive a double portion of honor!” (Romans 8:1; Isaiah 61:7)

Roar back at those blasphemous voices!

The Voice of Great Hope!

What does the Maker of heaven and earth, who cannot lie, and in whom there is no darkness say? What He says is your response:

Tell Fear: “But God has not given me a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Tell Disappointment: “I will give thanks in all circumstances. I will choose joy.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Tell Hopelessness: “I will return to the Lord. He has torn us all to pieces during this pandemic, but He will heal me and bind up my wounds. He will renew my strength! He will restore me to health.” Hosea 6:1, Isaiah 40:31, Jeremiah 30:17

Tell Pride: “I will humble myself before the Lord, and He will lift me up in honor!” James 4:10, Luke 14:11

Tell Arrogance: “I am not too important to help someone else. I will dress myself in humility and not try to impress others.” Galatians 6:3, 1 Peter 5:5, Philippians 2:3

Father in Heaven, forgive me for listening to the wrong voices. Cleanse my ears with the blood of Jesus and set me free! I believe Your word that says, ‘Every child of God overcomes the world, for my faith is the victorious power that triumphs over the world!’ This is the truth I will hear and stand on, in Jesus’s name and by the power of Your Spirit.

1 John 5:4 TPT

Sowing Seeds of Bravery to Fight Back

Surprise! Did you know…?

J.A. has a new powerful book out! Her first nonfiction. It’s empowering and healing. If it’s not for you, you’ll probably know someone who needs it. Click here: Silenced, scroll to the bottom of the page and check it out. It’s been under wraps for a while, and you’re one of the first to hear about it.