You have a voice...

             ​I had been involved in music for many years when I started playing the keyboard and singing in church. I never had a lot of confidence in my ability but some years into my ministry I discovered something I had never known. My father shared with me that he had prayed me into music. He was involved in leading worship at the time and had prayed this ability into me but the condition was that I had to play only for the Lord not for the world. At that point I finally understood why I had been battling for so many years in the music ministry even to the point of giving up a number of times - the devil did not want my father’s prayer over my life to come to pass. I was constantly comparing my ability to someone else, both my singing and playing the keyboard. I would say things like, “I don’t have a voice like this person or that person…” But one day God spoke a word very clearly to me that stopped me in my tracks and it has changed my attitude for the better ever since. He said, “But you have a voice.” From that time till now I have learned – and I am still learning - to use what I have. God did not expect me to use someone else’s voice but my own. And when I use what I have He would perfect it and bless it. 
         Even Moses felt like me, I guess, and did not see himself capable of going before Pharaoh to speak on behalf of God’s people (Exodus 4:10-12). But God had purpose for his life and allowed his brother, Aaron, to be his mouthpiece. But Moses still had to do what God had called him to do – lead God’s people, Israel. He had been trained in the palace for leadership when, many years before, Pharaoh’s daughter had adopted him as her son. So, he was capable of handling the job but he couldn’t see it. He had a voice that God could use and that was the voice he used in the wilderness. It wasn’t Aaron’s voice anymore but his own. He had to trust God to use what He had given him. 
         We all have a “voice,” one that could be used to lead others to Christ. Whether it’s singing or preaching or teaching or simply just sharing a testimony, we all have a voice. We can go even further. Maybe you don’t see yourself capable of doing any of those things. But guess what? Social media has made it easier for you. Through it you can send a word of encouragement, a message. You can “speak” through a Facebook, Twitter or Instagram post. Instead of succumbing to gossip and negative criticism, use these media to spread the gospel. Or maybe your voice is art or dance or the ability to write. All these are “voices” that you can use to lead many to Christ. 
         Let’s face it, you have no excuse. Your voice is unique to you. Use it. God doesn’t expect you to use anyone else’s voice but your own. God will perfect that which concerns you (Psalm 138:8), He will accomplish His purpose in and through you, but you have to use your voice. Don’t let the spirit of comparison stop you. Don’t let fear cripple you. Use what you have, give God something to work with and you will do great and mighty things for Him.

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