The Spiritual Gift Of Prophecy

Recently I took another spiritual gifts test, and again my top spiritual gift came out as prophet. The last time I took that test I guess I could kind of see it, but didn’t really delve too much into it. This time I have more purpose.

I took the test to prepare for a certification I’ll be receiving soon for Freedom Coaching. I’ve had to put a lot of thought into how what I’ve been through, and how my spiritual gifts, personality, and strengths can be used for the Lord in my kingdom (where God has placed me). Little by little, it’s finally coming together.

Here’s a few things I’ve learned about the gift of prophecy:

• Prophecy is used to make God’s heart known and to edify the church

• Prophecy is a sign that God is truly among His church (1 Corinthians 14:22-25)

• Prophets are sensitive to the Holy Spirit and the needs of the church body

• Prophets should be humble and continually study the scriptures in order to test the revelations before speaking them

• They should allow and expect others to weigh what is said against the scriptures to interpret the message accordingly

• Used this way the church will be continually built up in unity (1 Corinthians 14:4, 26)

• A prophets message can take the form of exhortation, correction, disclosure of secret sins, prediction of future events, comfort, inspiration, or other revelations given to equip and edify the body of Christ

• Prophets present God’s Truth with careful study

• Prophets provide clarity to situations and relation to God’s will in order to build up the body

• Prophets are more concerned about the “right” and “wrong” of a situation than anything else

• A prophet should have the fear of God should he or she not speak up when prompted to do so by the Holy Spirit

With all of this in mind, prophecy is a great responsibility, not only to speak the prophecy, but more so to make sure what the prophet believes they are hearing is truly from the Lord before they speak. Perhaps my greatest fear is interpreting the prophecy incorrectly. That’s why studying and knowing the scriptures well is so important, as well as having a humble heart.

There are a couple of ways I’ve already seen how God has used gift of prophecy in my life. The first way is through the freedom ministry I’m a part of, Wellsprings of Freedom. When I joined the team, it was quickly evident that I was a discerner. I honestly, was a bit hesitant to use this gift (and still am a bit) for fear that what I’m hearing is wrong or will hurt our guest. I try to be very cautious and thoughtful before passing along any discernment. Over the years as I’ve tuned my heart more to the Holy Spirit, I’ve been able to be more confident in what He’s telling me.

One of my favorite ways God has been using my gift of prophecy is through love letters to our Wellsprings of Freedom guests. God has been faithfully giving me love letters to our guest pretty much every time I’m discerning. It’s an amazing experience. We have a time of worship and I hear the Holy Spirit speak to me a few words, a phrase or ideas at a time. Once I write that down He gives me more until we end the time of worship. Most often it’s something just for the guest so they know that God sees them. It doesn’t always make sense to me, but it does to them. Sometimes it’s about their identity, their calling, or hope for the future. In each case it’s always specific to them. This letter is written at the beginning of our time together and before I have heard much of their story. There are times I weep while writing it because I can feel the love of the Father. Other time I weep when they are reading it at the end because I’m so amazed that the Father knew exactly what they needed and that He loves them so much. It’s truly a beautiful gift.

The other way I’ve seen the gift of prophecy work in my life is in my church. There’s been a few times when I have felt an urge to speak up. For the introverted, not so great with speech me, this is where my gift of prophecy is challenged. For some who know me, they may not believe it, but I’d much rather not rock the boat. However, when this stirring is inside me (which in many cases I believe to be prophecy) I have to speak up or I’ll be in turmoil. I’ve learned to say what the Holy Spirit wants me to say and then step back and let Him do the work. Typically, the Holy Spirit just wants me to share some new information and allow others He’s gifted differently to figure out what to do with that information.

This quote here from Richard Roth sums it up pretty well:

“The prophet is not an outsider throwing rocks, nor a comfortable insider who defends the status quo; but one who lives precariously with two perspectives tightly together in a loving and creative tension: the faithful insider and the critical outsider.”

This perspective has really helped me be more comfortable in my role as a prophet. God’s goal for prophecy is actually unity. Sometimes unity happens because of words of encouragement for the church or individuals. Other times unity happens by exposing something, or using tension to create change in a unifying direction.

All in all, I’m learning that as a prophet, I need to be open and obedient to the Holy Spirit, humbly test what I hear against scripture, and allow others to confirm or dismiss the word I hear.