I met with a potential leader the other day and as we talked, I asked then to share theirstory with me – the who/what/where/when’s which helped them become the person they is today. I listened to an incredible story of their journey with God. In the course of our conversation, they told me of their struggle with cutting. They shared some of the events and thoughts that led themto start. They told me about how they felt when they cut themself and when they weren’t cutting. They talked about getting help and how they continue to live/struggle with the desire to cut herself. As they shared this last part, they told me when they begins to think about cutting themself, they remind themself, “That is not my voice.” They told me that they belong to Jesus and their voice is His voice telling them He loves then and they has value. The voice that pushes them to cut is not their voice at all but the voice of their past and weakness that does not exist in the complete and redeemed body they obtained when they surrendered to the Lordship of Christ.
I’ve been thinking about that statement. “That’s not my voice.” I’m thinking about the voice that entices me towards things that are not of God. Things that bring temporary pleasure but not wholeness. I find myself repeating out loud, “That’s not my voice” when tempted, when beating myself up, when I find myself doing that which I don’t want to do. And I’m reminded of the words of James about our evil desires enticing us, giving birth to sin, which leads to death. I’m thankful for being reminded by this person of the loving voice of Christ, which even in discipline, is calling me to a more fulfilling life focused on God.
I’m reminded that it is in community we find sources of encouragement and support. I’m reminded that each person’s journey contains sources of inspiration we can draw from. And I’m reminded that while I lead a ministry, I am able to learn from those involved in ministry.
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