I feel so blessed to be a part of a prophetic community. It’s so wonderful to have people around who are willing to take risks in hearing the heart of our perfect Father and relay such things. How I would rather be surrounded by believers actually practicing the prophetic than ones who don’t really believe and turn that valve off in their life.
Like in every gift, every attribute of God that He shares with us, we have growing to do in this prophetic arena. We can go down many avenues in discussion about this. The main focus in this email is on what to do with the words we receive. Here’s a few pointers that have helped me and I hope will be an inspiration to you as well.
USE DISCERNMENT – If we receive a word and it strikes the heart at all, take it to the Lord. With Him, we let our heart feel and know what it should about this word. If, on the other hand, it doesn’t feel quite right, again, take it to the Lord. Find out if He is having you stretch beyond your comfort zone in something to grow into, or if you should simply disregard the word given. Either way, it’s good to let these words simmer with the One Who knows every little detail about them.
EXECERSIZE PATIENCE – This is probably the most valuable of my tips here. Let’s say someone gets a word like, “You will preach the truth to many.” Rightfully so, there are instant pictures in the heart of standing on stages, in front of large crowds, and preaching. This could be where a journey actually begins to get the person to that picture. However, too often, we hear it, want it and believe it should start happening NOW. It’s possible, but most of the time there needs to be a maturing process first. What would our motive for preaching truly be? How about handling the stressful things that come with this? Or stewarding the good things that come with this? Could there be a need for practical things like a speech class? All through the Bible we see words given and then lengthy periods of time before fruition. Like Joseph, for instance. Or how about Jesus, Himself? Remember in James 1 it tells us, “Let patience have it’s perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, LACKING NOTHING.”
When we are not vulnerable enough to allow whatever growth to happen, and become impatient, we tend to expect other people to open the doors to fulfill our word. We wonder why they don’t recognize the call in us or make things happen for us. We forget that it’s God’s word to us and He opens the door…when we’re ready. Ultimately, when we push and shove, we get mad at God for not allowing what He started to come to pass. However we didn’t allow Him to cultivate maturity in us so that He could bring completion to the word. Patience is absolutely married to a prophetic word that comes together the way God intends.
BE WISE WITH WHOM YOU SHARE YOUR WORD – Matthew 7:6 says, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” Here’s where discernment comes in again. We want to share for various reasons. Let’s give every possible motive for sharing to Holy Spirit and sort it out with Him.
Simply put, some people we share with may poison our word with negativity, doubt and fear, thus causing us to feel that way about it too. Some folks will be jealous and speak words to combat your word. Some may spread it to others who may abuse it also. Choose wisely.
TAKE HEALTHY STEPS – Without manipulating others (as mentioned before), begin to move forward. For instance, if there’s a word that you be a successful business person, and you feel this is correct but you have zero business experience, go ahead and take business classes. Start taking notes on someone who is already successful in business and learn. God will help us along the way.
There’s so much more to cover, but these are just a few things that we really need to keep in mind to help us grow into our word. God wants the very best for us and in us.
wawoooo
ReplyDelete