Can You Hear It? - By Ashley

What is God's voice and what is the Satan's voice?

All day I was nonstop baking several sourdough recipes (if y'all know sourdough, you know it can be a bit tricky, especially for a newbie like myself). My mind was constantly churning, and all day I had no time to even think about God, let alone give Him the time he deserves. I was so caught up with listening to music, baking, and cleaning around the kitchen that as soon as I paused the music and busied myself with taking a break, a wave of anxiety swept over me.

The rest of my family was gone and it was just me, the darkness, and the thoughts Satan was feeding to me. At the time, I had no idea who was feeding the thoughts to me, but whoever it was, I was listening because the voice had taken over my entire headspace. I hadn’t written (something I do every day); I hadn't taken much time off, and I certainly was tired of keeping my eyes open.

With the constant stream of terrible thoughts, my mind was racing as the tears came in waves down my cheeks. As I write this, even now, in the very chair Satan’s words had found me, a shiver runs down my spine, my shoulders tensing when I think of how hurt I was. 

But that’s not where the story ends. 

There was a battle being waged, and when God sets out to battle on my behalf—on anyone’s behalf—He’s bound to win. 

In the midst of all the loud thoughts in my head—the ones from Satan—I heard a small voice crying out to me—it was quiet, but instantly, I knew. The voice was saying: “Ashley, sit down and do the devotional I have provided for the day.” I refused, saying “But I need to write! But I need to finish the sourdough… But I don’t have time.”

Right then and there, I felt as though God was looking me in the eye, challenging me, “At the end of the seven days, I rested, just as at the end of this day you shall rest. But if you let Satan rule your mind… how will you ever get the rest you deserve? Satan is working for his To-Do List, not for your good. Listen to me when I tell you to do something. I’m working for your good. I know what you need. Now go and do your devotions.” 

Reluctantly, with His persistent yet calming voice speaking into my heart, I got up, started toward the cabinet, grabbed out my Devotional book, and flipped to the page that was talking about God’s Voice vs. Satan’s voice. A chill ran down my spine—A chill I hope you too experience as you look at the table I have prepared for you:

SATAN’s voice will:	GOD’s voice will:
Be loud/try to get your attention/be overly persistent	Be soft/gentle, yet be persistent
Point out your flaws and Identify you by them	“Calls his sheep [aka YOU] by name” (John 10:1-6)
Be Crafty (2 Corinthians 11:14)	Be Clear (1 Corinthians 14:33)
Bring more Chaos into your struggles	Provide peace in the Chaos

I knew instantly who I was listening to. As 2 Corinthians 11:14 NIV states: “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light,” Satan will slip into our thoughts, overpowering them and being crafty. Satan has been manipulating us for years, but it’s

time we surrender to God because the only one who’s going to bring us out of peril and win the war is God Himself. 

God wants you to listen, so why would he confuse/masquerade his words?  Here’s what the Bible tells us: “God is not a God of confusion” (1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV). God communicates clearly with us because “[God] is good and what [God] does is good” (Psalm 119:68)

After that, I finished the bread and got ready for a restful night. I was no longer overwhelmed by the tasks, but instead, I got everything I needed to get accomplished, accomplished, with God’s peace flooding my body.

I’m so glad I listened to the voice I know I should always listen to. Will you join me?

Examine your life… are you listening to the wrong voice as I was? I hope you’re not, but I greatly hope you will listen closely. If you’re like me, and like to win, I think you’ll enjoy what God has to offer. God loves you and is for you. Do not forget that! I hope my experience helps inspire you as you go forth and may all my words give Him glory! 

Your Sister in Christ, (God’s Wild Child),

~Ashley :)