Listening to the Right Voice
John 10:27 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
The story of King Ahab and Jezebel serves as a powerful warning about the influence of the voices we allow into our lives. Ahab was king, but despite his position, he continually surrendered his judgment to the influence of Jezebel. Rather than seeking God's direction, he listened to a voice that encouraged compromise, idolatry, manipulation, and injustice.
Jezebel's influence was destructive. She promoted Baal worship, persecuted God's prophets, threatened Elijah after God's victory on Mount Carmel, and orchestrated the murder of Naboth so Ahab could take possession of a vineyard he desired. Time and time again, she used manipulation, intimidation, and control to accomplish her agenda.
What is perhaps most alarming is that Ahab knew better. He had witnessed God's power. He had seen God's faithfulness. Yet he continued to listen to the wrong voice.
The same challenge confronts us today. Not every voice speaking into our lives is leading us toward God's purpose. Some voices promote fear instead of faith. Some encourage compromise instead of obedience. Some feed on bitterness, pride, selfish ambition, and discouragement.
The enemy often works through negative influences, criticism, doubt, and intimidation. His goal is to get us to question what God has already spoken. If he can change what we listen to, he can often change the direction we take.
When God says, "I am with you," don't allow a negative voice to convince you that you are alone.
When God says, "Keep going," don't allow discouragement to persuade you to quit.
When God says, "I will provide," don't allow fear to tell you there will never be enough.
When God says, "I have a purpose for your life," don't allow doubt to convince you that your best days are behind you.
Faith grows when we listen to God. Fear grows when we listen to the wrong voices.
This is why Scripture teaches us to test every influence. "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits whether they are of God" (1 John 4:1). We must ask ourselves: Does this voice draw me closer to God or further away? Does it strengthen my faith or fuel my fear? Does it promote humility or pride? Does it build unity or create division?
The people we surround ourselves with also matter. Proverbs 13:20 reminds us, "He that walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." Influences may seem small at first, but over time they shape our thinking, decisions, and ultimately our destiny.
Above all, guard your heart. The voices you continually entertain will eventually affect how you think, what you believe, and how you live.
You cannot always control the voices around you, but you can control which voice you choose to believe. Make it your daily priority to listen to the voice of God.
Heavenly Father, help me to recognize the voices that are influencing my life. Give me discernment to identify anything that pulls me away from Your truth. Teach me to guard my heart and to listen carefully to Your voice above all others. Strengthen my faith when fear tries to speak louder than Your promises. Surround me with godly influences that encourage me to walk in obedience and wisdom. Help me follow You faithfully and trust Your direction for my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Pastor Julio
