THE VOICE OF THE LORD
The voice of the Lord gives safety. If the Lord says a thing, then no cause for alarm.
Do not allow the pride of men shift you from the Will of God. Men who do not understand the Lord's plan for you will say and do everything possible to make you feel guilty of listening and obeying Him.
If God leads you into anything, then be rest assured he has everything planned to sustain your survival. Trust in Him and the power of His might.
Proverbs 1:33 says "But whosoever listens to me shall dwell in safety, and shall be quiet from fear of evil"
Declare; I put my faith in Jesus, my anchor to the ground, my hope and firm foundation, He'll never let me down.
MEN WHO OBEYED GOD'S VOICE
Several men in Scripture reflect the truth expressed in this devotional. Their lives demonstrate that obedience to God's voice brings safety, even when others misunderstand, oppose, or try to discourage them.
1. Noah (Genesis 6 to 9)
Noah obeyed God's instruction to build the ark, despite the ridicule he likely faced from those around him. The world could not understand God's plan, but Noah trusted God's voice above public opinion. Because he obeyed, God preserved him and his family through the flood.
God's instructions may seem unreasonable to others, but obedience brings divine preservation. "Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he."
2. Abraham (Genesis 12:1 to 4)
God called Abraham to leave his homeland without revealing every detail of the journey. Abraham obeyed immediately, trusting that God would provide all he needed along the way.
When God leads, He also provides. We do not need to know every step before obeying.
3. Joseph (Genesis 37 to 50)
Joseph remained faithful to God despite rejection by his brothers, false accusations, and imprisonment. Many circumstances could have convinced him that God had abandoned him, but God's purpose prevailed.
Human opposition cannot stop God's plan for those who trust Him.
4. Moses (Exodus 3 to 14)
When God called Moses to confront Pharaoh, many questioned him, including Moses himself. The Israelites also complained repeatedly, yet Moses continued to follow God's direction.
Obey God's voice even when people doubt His calling upon your life.
5. Joshua (Joshua 1)
Joshua faced the enormous task of leading Israel after Moses' death. God repeatedly told him, "Be strong and courageous." His confidence came from God's presence, not from human approval.
God's presence is greater than the fear created by difficult assignments.
6. David (1 Samuel 17)
Before fighting Goliath, David's eldest brother criticised him, and King Saul doubted his ability. David refused to let their opinions stop him from obeying what he believed God had prepared him to do.
Never allow the opinions or pride of others to move you away from God's purpose.
7. Daniel (Daniel 6)
Daniel continued praying to God even after a law prohibited it. He trusted God's protection rather than fearing the consequences. God shut the mouths of the lions and preserved his life.
Faithful obedience brings God's sustaining power, even in dangerous situations.
8. Paul the Apostle (Acts 20 to 28)
Paul repeatedly followed God's leading despite warnings of imprisonment and persecution. He knew suffering awaited him, yet he remained committed to God's will because he trusted God's purpose above personal comfort.
Following God's will does not always remove hardship, but it guarantees God's presence and faithfulness.
The Central Message
A common thread runs through each of these men:
- They listened to God's voice above the voices of people.
- They faced misunderstanding, criticism, or opposition.
- They trusted that if God called them, He would sustain them.
- God proved Himself faithful by protecting, guiding, strengthening, or fulfilling His purpose through them.