I first took notice of the emerging prophetic movement around 2016. I was just finishing Bible College and the prophetic was one of my giftings so I naturally gravitated toward that area. I went to conferences and read books on the subject of practicing or honing your prophetic skills as though it was something everyone could and should learn. I accepted this from certain church leaders based on Scripture Acts 2:17 and Joel 2:28, that in the last days sons and daughters will prophesy. I stood in line at different events to get a prophetic word from a stranger after they touched me and received supernatural information from God, even audiotaping many of those "words."
In time, I became one of the strangers who gave prophetic words to others who came to stand in line at "church functions" I volunteered at. Most times it felt forced and uncomfortable. I prayed that Jesus would give me something for the other person that they could relate to. I became convinced by my leaders that giving prophetic words to people is a skill that needs to be practiced to get better at it.
It took a few years but I finally received the conviction of the Holy Spirit. I'm not proud it took that long but I am so grateful that I hear my Shepherd's voice. First Corinthians 12:8 tells us that certain gifts are given to certain people, "To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom...to another prophecy..." Romans 12:6 states, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith." Scripture does not say that in the latter days all sons and daughters will prophesy, but those who the gift of prophecy is given to by the Holy Spirit. From my own experience, receiving a prophetic word or a word of knowledge for someone from God is completely different than giving prophetic words to people at events who stand in line to hear what God has to say to them. One comes directly from God and is unsolicited, and the other is based on self and performance.
As the years have gone by, I've taken notice of the fruit of this practice and maybe you have to. Many of us who received prophetic words from people at church events, conferences, or even strangers on the street trying to hone their practice, have had many of those prophetic words fall to the ground never bearing any fruit of any kind except for hesitation and doubt. I still have recordings of strangers speaking prophetic words over me as well as nice little cards or notes with prophetic words of something that was going to happen for me or my family, which have never come to pass and have simply fallen to the ground, and I'm not alone.
Speaking from an economics standpoint, what happens when the market gets too flooded with a specific product or intellectual property? No one wants it anymore - it no longer has any value to anyone. We can see this with the pet rock, beanie babies, and the fidget spinner. What was once highly sought-after, no longer has any value. I'm hearing this same scenario starting to play out with the body of Christ concerning prophetic words. We have become so saturated with prophetic words that bear no fruit, because they weren't from the Lord but another person, that many believers are starting to shut down as soon as they hear someone say, "I have a prophetic word for you." Does this resonate with you at all?
Many prophetic and prosperity ministries have profited from offering this experience at their churches or events but the fallout of words that fall to the ground is just now starting to be felt by the parishioners. This hesitation and doubt of all prophetic words will do an injustice to those who are actually called to the office of prophecy, but even their words will be doubted too. At a time when the latter days can be felt more than at any other time in history, let's not deceive ourselves; there is an obvious difference between receiving a prophetic word from God, "Thus says the Lord," and receiving a prophetic reading from the world.
Even though the Spirit of God gives certain people certain gifts including the measure of those gifts, all gifts are meant to edify and encourage the church. This is where words of encouragement come in. We are not all called to the office of prophecy but we are all called to encourage the church. Words of encouragement never fall to the ground. They are received by believers and non-believers alike and we need encouragement now more than ever! Examples are: "You're a great friend; I love spending time with you because you make me feel good about myself; You've always been so strong, I admire that about you; If anyone can do it, it's you; I can always count on you when I'm struggling; even though things seem dark, you have a way of brightening my day." You can even paraphrase Scripture or put it in your own words, which is the truth of God's promises: "You were made for a time such as this and I believe in you; I know things seem hard but God has a plan and purpose for you and He'll work this out; Remember how strong and courageous you are; Don't be afraid or discouraged, God is always with you."
Instead of trying to self-perform in gifts that weren't given to us including prophecy and healing, let's encourage one another during these times of uncertainty, which is something God has called us all to do.
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