Encouragement

The Voice from Within

by Ezekiel Olukolajo
02/04/20
Not For Sale
Author requests article critique

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

The Voice from Within

In 1Samuel 17:1- end, by what appeared like chance, but a divine arrangement of the Almighty God, David found himself in the battlefield. For complete forty (40) days the Philistines had pitched against the Israelites, with Goliath, their champion issuing out threats and denigrations against the Israeli army. While Goliath ranted and threatened, no one among the army of Israel was able to raise a hand or challenge him. However, David heard the threats and couldn’t just walk away from the scene. A voice from within him told him he was able to face Goliath and take away the reproach from Israel! The voice reminded him of how he killed a lion with bare hand, and also slain a bear without any weapon. The voice, very silent though, was strong and reassuring. David heard and listened to the voice from within!

Through the assuring voice from within him, David received a push. He was prepared to take a leap; He was ready to make a move. He believed the voice from within him that says ‘You Can’ and was ready to move. However, it was at this point that contrary voices began to rise and speak so loudly. 

Eliab, his eldest brother says “What’s your business here? I’ve always known you’re so arrogant, evil-minded and strong headed”.
King Saul, the Army General says “Look, you’re too young and inexperienced. I can’t see you make it, you’re not able to confront Goliath”.
And Goliath himself, despised, cursed and threatened David; he says “what a hell do you think you’re doing? I’m gonna waste you and feed you to the birds, you cheeky brat”.       

Of all the people that spoke, no one gave David a chance; everywhere David turned, no one gave him encouragement. All the voices that spoke to him had one singular target, and that was to extinguish his courage to stand and take a leap. David actually heard all the voices (discouragement, threats, criticism, condemnation and cursing), but he refused to listen to any of them! He rather chose to listen only to the assuring voice of God from within, and that was the secret of his victory over Goliath.

In the face of challenges, what do you do when all you see and hear from around you is discouragement, fear, intimidation, threats, criticism, cursing etc.? Truth is, what you listen to determines who controls your life, and who and what controls your life determines how and where you will end, period! There be many voices that speak, you simply can’t stop the voices from speaking. People and forces around you must speak and continue to speak. You may hear, if you must, but you’re under no obligation to listen! Listening is paying attention to what you hear. It involves lending your inner ears, and that’s entirely within your control. You may not be able to shield yourself from hearing stuffs, but it’s entirely your choice to listen! It’s what you listen to that moves and shapes you, that’s why you don’t have to listen to everything you hear! Luke 8:18A says ‘Take heed therefore how ye hear…..’

As you take on your journey in 2020, you’re bound to hear so many voices just like David did. However, what determines your victory is listening to the voice of God in each and every situation. It’s a dangerous thing to listen to what people say at the expense of what God says. Your fate in the year and beyond will depend on the voice you choose to listen to. What’s that voice speaking to your life contrary to the voice of God? It doesn’t matter what the voices around you are saying. If what you hear everywhere you turn to is ‘you don’t have what it takes’, ‘you can’t make it’, ‘you’re inadequate’, ‘you can’t do it’, ‘you can’t ….can’t ….can’t…’. Don’t ever listen to such contrary voice. You know what? David didn’t attempt to argue with those who said he couldn’t make it, he simply ignored and walked away from them! Like David, don’t try to shut ‘em up, don’t try to convince ‘em, just listen to the inner voice of God that says you’re able and move forward in the name of the LORD! Amen!     

It’s dangerous to look for validation and approval from outside. The surest validation and approval you need to move forward and take that giant leap in life comes from within you. I’m not saying you should ignore encouragement or help if God brings one your way, but what I’m saying is that the courage that flows from within you is the greatest push you will ever get to move forward. No one can encourage you like you!

Isaiah 53:1  says “Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?”. Whose report would you believe in 2020? By whose words will you set your standards in this year? David indeed looked small and fragile outside but within him was the Greatest One. Is God dwelling in your heart? Do you have a relationship with Him? Your life cannot be deflated when you carry God on the inside of you. Your best deal this year and beyond is a close relationship with Christ, for in Him you’re made complete! David didn’t have any weapon but he had God; David didn’t have any experience but his hands were made strong by the hands of the Almighty. When God dwells within you, you can face whatever lies ahead of you. The most important voice you must listen to is that of God, and then you can take that leap!

Shalom!

Excerpts from: The Making of a Champion

Ezekiel Olukolajo
[email protected]