20/20: God's Vision For My LifeSample

The Only Voice That Matters

By Mallory Bassham

For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, [inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4–5

I am fundamentally a people person. I want to know what makes others tick, what they think about and why. That’s probably the reason why I love to read autobiographies and spend time on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. However, it’s also possibly a reason for why I’m so easily distracted. Whenever I’m working in my office, I always turn away from the door, because I know that if I see people walking by I’ll want to holler out, “Hey! How are you? What’s going on?” It’s not that I’m nosy; I’m just insatiably curious. While I know that it’s good to be focused, it doesn’t come naturally to me at all. It’s been something I’ve had to work hard at developing in my life.

I’m also distracted by a host of other things: magazines, to-do lists, the mouth-watering aroma wafting from the pot roast in the oven, my thirst, a book title I spot out of the corner of my eye, whatever my husband happens to be doing at the moment, a sound I hear, and my golden retriever whining for attention.

Unfortunately, I’m also easily distracted by the voices in my head. Often, when I need to accomplish something significant, like preparing a teaching, an article, or a speech, these voices insistently try to convince me that I’m incapable, worthless, and really have nothing to say. They whisper insecurities about who I am, my past experiences, and my authenticity. This used to constantly torment me.

Have you ever heard these whispers? I never knew what to do with them. I didn’t understand that Satan is a distorter, that he is sneaky and subtle and that he wanted me to listen to his voice. Satan is a liar, he is wicked, and he is out to get you…that’s why he’s called the Enemy! His goal isn’t just to annoy, upset, or aggravate you; the Bible tells us he wants to steal, kill, and destroy you (John 10:10). He is out for your soul—for your very being. And one of his primary tactics is to feed your mind with cleverly devised thoughts of irritation, dissatisfaction, doubt, and fear.

God, on the other hand, is completely different. He is faithful. He is steadfast and true. And He can always be trusted. Lamentations 3:22–23 says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” The Enemy knows that when you see God for who He really is, all of the blinders, lies, and smokescreens fade away. You fall crazy in love with God and want to serve Him with all of your heart.

So Satan tries to implement his treacherous strategy to convince you that God isn’t who He says He is and that His Word isn’t true. He traps you with bad church experiences, weird or hurtful people, and dysfunctional families and parents. He reminds you of hurtful remarks and wrongs people have said and done to you. He tries to persuade you that God isn’t really on your side.

I really don’t know why it’s so easy for us to listen and believe those lies. However, I do know that God is also speaking. And I know that His passion and love for you are endless. You have a choice in what voices you allow to influence you. Until you know that for yourself, you’ll never be able to step up and truly fight.

Understand that you are in a battle…a battle for your mind and your heart. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.” 

The Enemy is doing everything he can to present evidence to your mind that makes your heart fail. That’s why you have to fill your mind with the things of God and His kingdom. Just like bank tellers learn how to recognize counterfeit money by intensely studying what genuine money looks like, in the same way, we gain authority over the Enemy by studying God’s Word and spending time with Him.

The battle is a continual process, but the truth of God’s Word makes you free and prayer and praise are amazing weapons! So ask God to help you believe and hear His voice—the only voice that matters. He is on your side, pulling for you, believing in you, and ready to empower you with His truth and strength. Rise up! Be bold! And engage aggressively to fight for your victory.

Never, never, never give up.
~ Winston Churchill

Memory Verse

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17