A shepherd lost five sheep to thieves. People told him that finding them in a crowded market was impossible. But he had a plan. He went to the market, stood in the center, and played a tune his sheep knew. Within minutes, his sheep broke away from the crowd and ran to him. He recovered all five. The story is simple, but the lesson is deep: sheep know their shepherd’s voice.
Friend, do you know the voice of your Shepherd (John 10:27)? One major reason people get lost in life and in faith is that they don’t train their ears to hear God. The safety of sheep is in the voice of their shepherd. The sheep that listens and follows is the one that finds safety and direction (Isaiah 30:20-21). Intimacy with God’s voice is not optional for believers.
We are called sheep because we follow leadership, not because we are foolish (Hebrews 13:7, 17). Sheep stay under covering, so they don’t die anyhow. Goats don’t. Goats follow their own path. They avoid accountability and covering, so they are exposed and vulnerable (John 10:10). The difference is not intelligence. It is submission to leadership and care.
You can live as a sheep-Christian or a goat-Christian. It’s about heart and attitude (Acts 20:28-30). The goat is independent and rebellious. The sheep is dependent, and that is strength. A sheep does not struggle to find food or fight for protection. The shepherd provides both (Psalm 23:1-6). Dependence on God is not weakness. It is wisdom that secures us.
Hearing the Holy Spirit is your greatest asset for life and destiny (Romans 8:14). Anything that trains your spirit to hear Him must be a priority. Daily, listen for His voice. Stay in the atmosphere of His presence. Fellowship with believers who also value God’s leading. Avoid voices that make you ignore the Spirit. Your fellowship shapes your followership (Proverbs 27:17).
Relate with people who honour leadership and accountability (Hebrews 10:25). Be accountable to your local pastor so you can learn to discern the voice of Christ, your Chief Shepherd. Remain in the church where God has planted you (Psalms 68:6, 92:13). Your safety, growth, and success are tied to staying in the fold and walking with the shepherd.
‘Demola Awoyele,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria