The Only Voice That Matters

“Take your lickin’ like a man!” the pastor shouted after I told him I disagreed with his accusation that I had “an antagonist attitude toward the primary leadership of the church.” Yes, that was him.

During that difficult time, I clearly heard the Holy Spirit say, “Walt, thank me for this.” So I did. I praised God through the pain. At times I admit, the pastor’s words cut deep and had me doubting myself. I knew though, God promised to work all things together for my good. This was one of those things.

Some valuable lessons were learned that day that have helped me ever since. The main lesson was how to recognize my Father’s voice.

In the year prior to this conversation with the pastor, I had been immersing myself in teachings about the kindness and love of the Father, and who He says I am. Although it’s painful when God disciplines me, His words always build me up. He never demeans or tears me down. So when this angry, accusing voice of the pastor was attacking me, I knew this was not the voice of my heavenly Father.

Perhaps you have received verbal abuse from someone you thought loved you. I am so sorry.

A friend told me recently that as a kid his stepdad would often call him stupid. Those words shaped his identity, and for years he was homeless and stuck in self pity. Today he is one of the most humble, loving men I know. After discovering the love of His heavenly Father, that “stupid” label his stepdad put on him doesn’t stick anymore.

That’s the power of the Father’s voice. It can drown out those voices of the past that tried to hurt us. When God speaks, miracles happen, the dead come to life, and a new identity is forged in the hearts of His beloved children.

So whatever hurtful words may have been spoken over you in the past, remember this. The only voice that matters is God’s. And He always has the last word!

Father, thank You for the power of Your Word to destroy the lies of the enemy. Grant us the ability to discern Your voice from all other voices. Give us teflon hearts, so the hurtful words of others will slide right off us.

FYI. Have you read “The Father’s Love Letter?” It is a compilation of Bible verses from both the Old & New Testaments that are presented in the form of a love letter from God to you. It is a beautiful thing to read. You can read it or listen to it here.