This summer our college-aged son and I are watching the Marvel Avenger movies in order. I’ve watched most of them, but not in order, and as of this writing, we just finished The Avengers. I also was looking for a show to binge and thought I might as well stay with the Marvel theme. Although it only lasted two seasons, I’ve enjoyed watching Agent Carter.

Agent Carter/Marvel/ABC Network Image

Agent Carter explores Peggy Carter’s story after she lost her only love, Steve Rogers/Captain America. With the war over, Agent Carter struggles to find her place as the other male agents only see her as someone to cover the phones. When a friend asks for her help in clearing his name, Agent Carter springs to action.

Season one gave me just that—lots of action. I loved her strength and yet vulnerability. Her wit and her wisdom. She also was a literal bright spot in a sea of gray suits. Watching it made me wish I’d caught the show the first time around. I wish there had been more than two seasons.

A great conflict for Agent Carter and her colleagues was dealing with the Russians. They would come across as friendly, only to be the very worst of foes. One character was able to conquer his evil agenda by hypnosis. At the end of season 1, Agent Carter needs to convince Howard Stark she’s the voice he needs to listen to. Stark’s been hypnotized and under the Russian’s spell, he’s flying a plane destined to doom. Stark has to choose to listen to Agent Carter, or the Russian.

The crisis got me thinking. When women come to me for mentoring, one question they have is how do I discern what’s God and what’s the enemy? How do I know I’m listening to the right voice?

That’s a great question. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years from experience, mistakes, and a lot of prayer.

• God’s voice will never condemn you. Anything that leaves you feeling unworthy, ashamed or stupid isn’t from God.

• God’s voice will bring glory to Him, and Him alone. When your focus turns to celebrating yourself or someone else, that’s a red flag.

Ultimately Stark was able to discern the right voice to listen to because he’d built a relationship with Agent Carter. He recognized her, and trusted her. It’s the same for our relationship with Christ.

We make it so complicated but a relationship with Jesus is spending time with your Best Friend. Whether it’s my husband or my friend since kindergarten, I can’t wait to chat with them. I want to know how they are. Learn from them. The more time I spend with them, the more I know.

You might not find yourself in a plane hypnotized in a plot to destroy a city, but we are in a time where there is an enemy prowling around looking to devour. He is a liar and the less we know about our Heavenly Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit, the easier it is for the devil to speak to us and get us to listen.

What that liar doesn’t want you to know is his real name. It’s the defeated one. He’s already lost, but he doesn’t want you to know that, either. He’d rather pawn that name on you and let you walk around with it. If you listen to God’s voice and develop a personal relationship with His Son, you can ignore that desperate yammering and carry on.

If you aren’t sure what voice you are listening to and want to make sure you’re listening to Christ, please click here.