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The Voices That Shape Us

“Who told you that you were stupid? Your spouse? Your parents? Perhaps it was your classmates. Maybe it was a coworker.”

“Who told you that was unforgivable? A person that was involved? A preacher? Or was it yourself?”

Those questions sting because they expose something most of us quietly carry: We’ve allowed the wrong voices to define us. Somewhere along the way, a comment, a wound, or a moment planted a lie — and we started living as if it were true. But before you accept any label, any shame, or any identity someone tried to place on you, you must ask the real question:

Who Told You That?

This question isn’t new. It’s actually one of the first questions God ever asked humanity. When Adam and Eve hid in the garden, covered in shame, God said: “Who told you that you were naked?” Genesis 3:11. In other words: “Who told you something about yourself that didn’t come from Me?” Shame entered the world the moment humanity listened to a voice other than God’s — and it hasn’t stopped whispering since.

When Did You Start Elevating the Voice of Man Over God?

Too many times, people either listen to others or themselves, and what is said most likely isn’t even true. So that begs one question to be asked: “When did you start elevating the voice of man over God?” We elevate the voice of:

  • Critics — speaking from their own brokenness
  • Culture — shifting daily
  • Fear — lying about the future
  • Our past — trying to define our present
  • Our own thoughts — distorted by insecurity

But Jesus said: “My sheep hear My voice… and they follow Me.” John 10:27. The problem isn’t that God isn’t speaking. The problem is that we’ve tuned in to the wrong frequency.

What God Actually Says About You

If you want to silence the lies, you must replace them with truth. Here’s what God says:

You Are Loved

“I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Jeremiah 31:3

You Are Forgiven

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

You Are Chosen

“You are a chosen people… God’s special possession.” 1 Peter 2:9

You Are Valuable

“You are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:31

You Are Made in His Image

“God created mankind in His own image.” Genesis 1:27

You Are Not What They Said

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Man labels. God redeems.
Man wounds. God restores.
Man remembers your past. God declares your future.

The Danger of Believing the Wrong Voice

When you believe the wrong voice:

  • You shrink back from opportunities God opened.
  • You carry shame God already removed.
  • You live small when God called you to live bold.
  • You treat lies like truth and truth like lies.

The enemy’s strategy has always been the same: Distort your identity so you doubt your purpose. Jesus called Satan “the father of lies” (John 8:44), and lies only have power when we agree with them.

Returning to the Voice of God

1. Identify the Lie

Ask yourself: Who told me this? If it contradicts Scripture, it didn’t come from God.

2. Replace It With Truth

Jesus defeated lies with Scripture (Matthew 4). So should we.

3. Guard Your Heart

“Above all else, guard your heart.” Proverbs 4:23

Not everyone deserves access to your identity.

4. Listen Daily

God’s voice becomes clearer the more you seek Him.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8

What Really Matters

“What really matters is what God thinks and what He says about you.” And what He says is good. What He says is true. What He says is final. No matter who spoke the lie… No matter how long you’ve carried it… No matter how deep it went… God’s voice is louder — when you choose to listen.

Copyright © 2026 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.