Satan's Voice vs. Jesus' Voice

One night during devotions when I was living in a Bible school dorm, a strong insistent voice began throwing accusations into my mind. I was so troubled that the next morning I told a teacher about the experience.  

She wisely counseled me concerning the difference between an impression from Satan and one from the Lord. "Often Satan will come with force," she cautioned, "but that is not God's way. Jesus' leading is gentle. You can recognize Him because He does not force or coerce but kindly speaks."

Even when we have made a wrong choice, His voice to us is gentle. As Richard Taylor reminds us, "It is Satan who cracks the whip-not God."

Thank You, dear Jesus, that You're not behind us forcing us, but going ahead and drawing us with love. 

"[Jesus] goes on ahead...and his sheep follow him because they know his voice" (John 10:4).

"The ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them...to find them a place to rest" (Numbers 10:33).