There are moments in life when the voice of God must become stronger in us than every other voice around us.
This is exactly what happened in the days of Jeremiah. Surrounded by false prophets, deceptive advisors, and people who spoke badly about him to weaken his ministry, Jeremiah heard God give him a simple yet essential instruction:
“Do not listen to them.”
(Jeremiah 27:14)
This was not just a warning; it was spiritual protection. Because not every voice is meant to be heard. Some voices are traps, distractions, or instruments of destruction.
God knew that if Jeremiah listened to rumors, criticisms, and lies, he would turn away from his assignment. In the same way, in our daily lives, there are voices we must refuse to listen to in order to preserve our peace, our faith, and our relationship with God.
Do not listen to them when people try to suffocate what God has placed in your heart.
Jeremiah had received a clear message, but other prophets claimed the opposite, saying, “What he says will not come to pass.”
They wanted to extinguish what God had ignited.
Even today, some will try to convince you that your calling is not real, that your dream is too big, or that you are not capable.
When their words contradict the direction God has given you, do not listen to them.
Do not listen to them when people speak evil about others to poison your heart.
In Jeremiah’s time, false prophets spoke against him so the people would despise him. Today, some do the same: they sow division, suspicion, and bitterness, pushing you to hate those God placed in your life. Yet the Bible says that “love bears all things and hopes all things.” When someone tries to fill you with hatred, resentment, or suspicion, do not listen to them.
Do not listen to them when voices rise to discourage you.
Jeremiah was constantly attacked: “Give up! No one is listening to you.” Discouragement is one of the enemy’s sharpest weapons. If you listen to those who belittle your efforts, who never see the good God is doing in you, or who constantly minimize your progress, you will lose heart. But God tells you as He told Jeremiah:
“Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”
Do not listen to them when their words pull you away from God.
God said, “They are leading my people astray.” Some voices draw you away from prayer, truth, holiness, the house of God, or your spiritual sensitivity. They say things like, “It’s not a big deal… You can take a step back… God will understand…” But every voice that weakens your spiritual life is a voice you must refuse.
Do not listen to them when their words contradict Scripture.
God said, “I did not send them.” The real measure of a voice is not its emotion or appearance, but its faithfulness to the Word of God. If their words contradict Scripture—if they lead you toward sin, confusion, or distance from God—then God clearly tells you:
“Do not listen to them.”
Many voices will speak throughout your life: some to build you, others to destroy you. Some to guide you, others to mislead you. But the voice of God is the one that leads to peace, truth, light, and growth. That is the voice you must choose to follow.
PRAYER:
Lord, give me the wisdom to discern the voices that come from You and the voices that aim to mislead me.
Strengthen my heart so I may remain faithful to Your Word. Help me walk in truth, peace, and love, and teach me to listen only to Your voice—the voice that guides and restores.
Amen.
Apostle Dr Jean-Claude SINDAYIGAYA