The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise its authority for forty-two months. (Rev. 13:5)
“Everyone wishes you were not on this team. You never should have said that. You don’t know what you are doing.” I left my first board meeting thinking these thoughts and saying some of them out loud in the car to myself. Over the course of the next two days, I found myself replaying them over and over until I felt paralyzed by them. I was angry, confused, and ready to quit. I began to believe that I had lost the ability to discern God’s speaking in my life, until I recalled John 10:27, where we are told that God’s children know his voice. It was then I realized I had been listening to the voice of another.
In Genesis, Adam and Eve were introduced to their adversary who distorted God’s words and direction in their life. The father of lies and enemy of our souls continues to try and manipulate and distort God’s direction for our lives, even today. Once we realize that there are two voices at play, we can begin to discern which one we should be listening to. The Advocate forgives and comforts, while the Enemy condemns and shames. Like Adam and Eve, we have a Father who comes looking for us, and all we have to do is ask for help: Holy Spirit, make your voice louder than all the others in my life today.
Drown out the noise by listening for your Father.
Heather Mazellan is a student at Wesley Seminary, thankful wife, and joyful mother to three kids.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
