The Voice of the Heart . . .

My sister has me hooked on the The Voice—the unique singing competition where the contestants’ initial introduction to the judges is blind. With their backs turned toward the singers, they can’t see what they look like, how they dress, if they have tattoos or piercings. All they can judge the person on is the quality of his or her voice. It is refreshing.

Once contestants are chosen, then the coaches, along with mentors they have selected, work with the artists: offering encouragement, advice, direction. It is amazing to watch the growth of these wannabe stars as they grow into confident singers.

Watching one evening, I was reminded that this is how God responds to us when we call out to Him. He doesn’t judge us on what we look like, how intelligent we are, what we have done in the past, just on the sincerity of our plea—our heart.

Then once we have given our lives to Him, He speaks to us through His word and brings mentors into our lives to encourage us, advise us, and help us grow.

Fortunately, this is where the analogy ends. For while the contestants in The Voice now must compete and fight against elimination, we, as God’s children, can rest in the assurance that we are forever His.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8