We all have been around that one dude who you just wish would shut up. Someone who is arrogant, boastful, needing everyone to pay attention to him. These characteristics are much like Satan’s.
Satan deposits all his energy in trying to make his voice known above God’s. How often do our ears turn to the loud voice of the enemy? We know his words are deceitful and destructive but, more times than not, we pay attention to these lies and we start to believe them.
As we were in the airport getting ready to leave for India, we realized that we were willingly stepping into a battlefield. Not just a battle between good and evil but a war between voices. And we realized Satan’s voice is LOUD. We started to believe that we were not good enough… that this wasn’t our calling… and how could God use someone like us? Disappointment, failure, and unworthiness were like wet blankets weighing us down. But God in His mercy stooped down and started revealing His truths, in a whisper.
Why does God whisper? Why wouldn’t He just prove Himself to be louder than Satan’s arrogant voice? Why aren’t our ears accustomed to our Father’s voice? We started to get frustrated, asking God these tough questions.
And still God answered, with a gentle whisper.
Isn’t that what the Gospel is? A gentle voice of love, grace, peace, and a free gift of salvation only through Jesus Christ. The voices we hear speak testament to the character behind the voice. Satan struggles to keep his power – to keep our focus. This is why he has to talk SO loud, because he’s already lost. He’s grasping at straws.
The victory is already won through Christ. The voice of the Holy Spirit comes through quiet strength. He doesn’t need to boast or prove Himself worthy. Just because God’s voice can come in a whisper, doesn’t mean it always does. We serve a God of power, who is insistently mighty. But He also reserves the right to choose the time to shout, because He is the maker of all things and works all things for our good (Romans 8:28). So we are choosing to hold onto this promise…
“But the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming!” (Psalm 37:13)
So here we are, back in the airport walking the same halls. Satan is still trying to make his voice known, but much like that frat boy… we are choosing to ignore him. We will turn our ears to God, wait on His voice (however it comes), and walk in obedience of the calling.
We are equipped (Hebrews 13:21). We are worthy (Psalm 139:13). And we will not fail (Psalm 46:5).
