I still remember my uncle buying a Mynah Bird for a pet. When I visited their home, I thought my uncle was calling my cousin from somewhere in the house until my cousin told me that it was the bird talking and not her dad. It was funny that the bird could mimic my uncle’s voice. But in spite of its accuracy, my cousin can detect her father’s real voice from that of the bird’s.
As followers of Jesus, we are expected to know our Lord’s voice. We are expected to be able to decipher his voice from that of others’ more importantly from that of the enemy’s.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
In our noisy world, where a lot of things vie for our attention, we have to be cautious enough to not follow the wrong voice. When possessions, pleasures, and power call us to make them our God, we must be strong enough to resist, and discerning enough to realize that we are not to bow down to these things.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
So how do we become more sensitive to hear God’s voice, and discerning enough to differentiate it from that of the others? The simplest answer is to keep growing our faith.
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7
When we are familiar with God’s word because we read and meditate on it everyday, we will be less likely to believe the enemy’s lies. We will not be coaxed into believing that we are hopeless, and that we do not have the strength to stand up from our failures and mistakes.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
And so we must make it a point to read the bible daily and reflect on it. Pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance as we read the Word, and listen to sermons and join bible study groups so we can be more familiar with God’s character and commands.
When we know God’s voice we can rest assured of his graciousness and mercy. We will be more familiar with His promises, and we will be confident enough to hold on to them, and wait on the Lord.
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on John 10:1-6 and Psalm 23 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you still struggle to decipher God’s voice from that of the world’s?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to hear your voice. For giving us more opportunities to grow our faith. Thank you for loving me enough to call me into your fold. Give me the grace to continue following you. Amen.
