The voice, an all-familiar voice, is ever-present. From this voice I am able to discern right from wrong, identify the good and the bad, and am halted when I am headed down a dark road (physically and mentally) or entering into a dangerous place.
It whispers kindness and love into my heart when I forget how, and it is also a voice of comfort and reason; a voice of inner peace and trust.
Can you guess whose voice this may belong to?
When it looks bad…
While the world looks to America in chaos and collision, while confrontational occurrences dwell amongst people world-wide, and trust in the country and world leaders and government systems diminish, we are stepping into not only a new year, but a new way of life.
Significant events, circumstances and instances, no matter how drastic, are essential and necessary to occur in order for the world to progress from where it was to where it needs to be.
Whether it is a great God-sent leader who was prophesied and destined to stand up for righteousness and bring God’s name back into the world, or whether it is someone who is positioned as a leader but leads people astray, we must remain vigilant with eyes wide open and discern everything.
Even when God sends us a godly leader, we must never idolise them or rely on them for complete guidance. They are God-appointed, which means God is the only one who intentionally places people where they are meant to be for a reason.
‘Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice.’ (Proverbs chapter 29 verse 26)
It is our job to discern the godly leader/s and the God-given purpose within them whilst supporting them and being prayerful as best as we can.
Trust
What scares me the most in this day and age is how easily fooled people are. Not all, but some. And it is even more critical when they are Christians being led astray by the ‘beautiful’ deceivers of the world.
But how do we know who to trust? And how can we identify someone’s character or the character of our law-makers and entrust them with our country’s fate?
The answer is simple – Psalm chapter 146 verse three says, “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” But instead – Psalm chapter nine verse ten says, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
In order to identify the ones to trust and to remain strong and alert, it is so important, now more than ever, to read the Bible and to know the voice of God.
1 John chapter 4 verse 1, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
By knowing the voice of God and knowing His Word, we are able to fight the good fight and stand up for His truth. If we do not do this, we may as well become sheep being sent to the slaughter.
Leaders
Often enough, some leaders use their position to deceive, make fools of their people, and conquer their dismissive powers with a smile. This does not reflect the Bible and we must be discerning enough to know these people are deceptive.
Romans 16:17-18 – “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.”
Now you may be thinking – “but, doesn’t the Bible say we need to obey and listen to our leaders?” Yes, it does.
Romans chapter 13 verse one says, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”
Occasionally the leaders we gain are positioned to test us and awaken God’s people, and God has allowed this.
It is important to understand and acknowledge that whomever God has chosen and positioned in leadership or otherwise, was purposefully intended. It does not matter what anyone else says, God’s plan, His Word and His intentions overrule all else.
‘When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; when a wicked man rules, the people groan.’ (Proverbs chapter 29 verse 2 NKJV)
Identifying the God-appointed
A God-appointed person is a person that God has chosen for a specific role in a specific time for a specific reason. When God appoints a godly leader, this person will be easily identified by their truth and prophetic words and revelations.
If you are unsure of how to identify a godly leader/person then ask yourself, “does this person reflect the Word of God? Do they stand by the Bible and speak its truth?” and then pray and ask God for confirmation, guidance, and to reveal the truth and genuine godly-nature of the person/people.
Listen
When leaders are appointed to test us, we must be alert, lean into God and not waver in our faith. Trying to silence God’s people is a fool’s errand. It only awakens the righteous and roaring lion within them. God’s voice, however, is above all and sovereign over everything and will never be silenced.
‘The grass withers, the flower fades but the word of our God will stand forever.’ (Isaiah chapter 40 verse 8 ESV)
So, with His quiet voice within us, let our voices roar the truth like lions, never submitting to the lies and deceit but rather holding strongly to the truth of His Word, rebuking everything that goes against it and drawing people to the light that is Him.
He is our strength. Listen to His voice.
With the peaceful and lulling warmth of his voice, He whispers with great authority. His presence, all strong and mighty—nothing evil can touch me, illuminates and expels the fortress of darkness around me. He takes me away from the perfidious crowds and evil-dwellers, as He leads me to the light.
I am made strong because He is with me. He is my strength and incites peace and righteousness into my heart.