Who Told You?

“But the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’ He answered, ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.’ And He said, ‘Who told you that you were naked?’” — Genesis 3:9–11

There’s a question God asked Adam in the garden that still echoes in our hearts today in Buckhead: “Who told you?”

In the quiet of the garden, after sin had crept in, God didn’t come down with immediate punishment. He came with a question. Not because He didn’t know the answer — but because He wanted Adam (and us) to think.

In the same way God wanted Adam to think, He also wants us to think. Consider these questions:

Who told you that you weren’t good enough?
That you’re unworthy?
Unforgivable?
Too broken to be used by God?
Not smart enough, not man enough, not spiritual enough?

Somewhere along the way, many of us started believing voices that don’t sound anything like our Father’s.

Think about it: at what point did other people’s opinions, our own insecurities, or that harsh internal critic start speaking louder than God’s truth?

God’s Voice vs. Every Other Voice

God’s voice builds. It comforts. It restores and leads us toward wholeness.
The enemy’s voice accuses, shames, and divides — from others, from purpose, and from God.

Yet how easily we tune in to the wrong station.

A single negative comment can drown out a dozen kind ones. One failure can suddenly define our worth. And over time, we start living as though the lie was truth.

But here’s the truth: God never said those things about you.

You Are Not What Shame Says

God didn’t shame Adam — He called to him. And He’s still calling.

Whatever label you’ve picked up — failure, screw-up, not enough — it’s not your name.
Your name is son. Beloved. Chosen. Forgiven. Capable. Redeemed.

So, next time that old lie creeps in, ask yourself the same thing God asked Adam:
“Who told you that?”
Then take it to the One whose voice brings life.

Questions:

• Do you agree that sometimes it’s easier to listen to other voices than God’s?
• What voices have you elevated above God’s in your life — maybe without realizing it?
• What’s one lie you’ve believed that you’re ready to let go of?
• Who in your life speaks God’s truth to you — and how can you do the same for someone else this week?