Whispering Voices
Recently, I’ve been frustrated by my slow progress in leading people to God. Part of it might be due to a shortage of talent on my part, but then I know even pastors experience the same. This struggle has led me to recognize some familiar circumstances within the story of Moses.
You see, Moses obeyed God's command to lead the Israelites out of slavery. The Israelites were eventually freed by the Pharaoh of Egypt, and so their journey began across the desert to a place called “the land flowing with milk and honey."
One would think the freed slaves would be grateful and humble enough to joyfully obey Moses as he led them to the place God prepared for them. But it didn't take long before they began complaining about the hardships of the journey. Their complaining eventually turned into a desire to return to slavery, because as slaves their lives were predictable and they had regular meals.
When Moses came down from the mountain with the Ten Commandments given to him by God, he found the people worshiping a golden calf. Moses became so frustrated that he destroyed the tablets in anger.
The story of Moses continues to resonate today because of what it reveals about human nature. Are we humans so short-sighted and weak in spirit that we would desire the comfort of slavery and pain over the ultimate freedom God offers us? This doesn’t make sense—none of it makes sense to me.
However, several months ago God revealed to me a great lesson, not through words, but through an experience. He opened a door for me to hear something that otherwise would be hidden. While attending a special event at my church, I heard demons whispering in our sanctuary. I could not hear what they were saying, but what I did know is there were three or more, and their whispers were that of conspiring. Immediately after the experience, I realized that I felt no fear; God allowed me to not only witness, but also understand what was occurring.
Demons have no authority over those who belong to Christ. People are not wrestling against mere human weakness alone. People don’t falter simply because of their shortcomings—it’s the darker whispering behind each person urging them to turn away from God; and instead, serve the one who wants them to remain in a place of pain and bondage. And this influence is relentless.
This experience deepened my resolve: we must put on the full armor of God, recognize our true enemy, and fight for the souls of those around us.
Many sit as a spectator in a stadium unaware that what’s unfolding before them isn’t a game at all—it’s a battle for their very soul. And just as the Israelites had to walk through the desert to escape bondage, so must we. Jesus will assist those in need, but He doesn't walk the walk for anyone.
What is troubling is how we Christians keep repeating the same approach to evangelism, hoping for better results. We speak of God’s love, of Jesus coming to save us, of the cross—and all of that is gloriously true. But we often project the impression that salvation is Christ’s responsibility alone, as if it requires little to no personal response or effort on one's part. Too often we whisper to others about God—and we wonder why we’re not being heard. The demons whisper too, and they are many and constant; our quiet words are drowned out, like trying to speak to a friend in a crowded restaurant filled with noise and distraction.
As uncomfortable as the topic of demons is, we all need to be aware that they are real and active in this world. Their goal is to divert those not yet under the authority of Christ away from God; they desire to convince the soul to remain comfortable in a place of bondage, serving a master who cares nothing for them.
Therefore, we are to pursue our brothers and sisters who have not come to Christ, and we are to do so with the same vigor as Pharaoh’s soldiers who relentlessly pursued freed slaves with the intent of returning them back to their master.
Let us pray.
Dear God,
Do not allow me to become frustrated with my fellow people. Help me to continue to understand what is really going on behind the scenes; instead of growing frustrated I need to elevate my determination. But if I am to be angry, allow my anger to be justified by directing it toward the ones who whisper.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen
For more information about the story of Moses, please read Exodus 1-40.
