When God Speaks
A woman at my church has the spiritual gift of prophecy.
Admittedly, I didn’t entirely know what that meant. I quickly learned that prophecy isn't so much foretelling the future, but much more to do with seeing the power of God at work in the world, seeing the spiritual battles that rage all around us, and communicating God's miraculous power and message to others.
Psalm 37:4: “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Prophecy is just one of the spiritual gifts given by God to edify, encourage, and guide His people.
What is the Gift of Prophecy?
1 Corinthians 14:3 explains: “But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging, and comfort.” This means prophecy is meant to uplift, guide, and sometimes correct believers according to God’s will.
How Does God Use Prophecy?
- To Reveal His Will – God uses prophecy to make His plans known (Amos 3:7).
- To Strengthen and Encourage – True prophecy builds up the Church and brings hope (1 Corinthians 14:4).
- To Call People to Repentance – Many biblical prophets warned people to turn back to God.
Is Prophecy for Today?
Yes! While biblical prophecy pointed to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises, the Holy Spirit still gives the gift of prophecy today. 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 reminds us: “Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.”
How to Discern Prophecy
Not all prophetic messages are from God. We must test prophecy against Scripture, seek wisdom, and ensure it aligns with God’s character.
Prophecy is a powerful gift, but it should always glorify God and lead people closer to Him. Whether receiving a prophetic word or seeking God’s direction, the key is to listen with discernment and trust in His perfect plan. 🙏✨