We recently spent some time in Romania attending the World Race conference: AWAKENING. During this conference I learned a bit more about prophecy that I’d like to share with you.
To being, let’s clarify that there is a difference between the call of all believers to prophecy, the gift of prophecy and a “capital P” Prophet. First of all, all believers are called to exercise all the gifts, though not all may be “gifted” in it in particular. For example, we are all called to give, but that does not mean we all have the gift of giving. Similarly, all believers are called to prophecy, but not all have the gift of prophecy. The difference here is a call of God (an annointing given by Him) on the individual to engage in this gifting more easily. I have heard it spoken this way: people know their gifting(s) when they engage in them and it is as easy as breathing for them. It is a natural overflow of their relationship with God and obedience to Him. A Prophet is an office described in Ephesians 4:11 (the five-fold calling of the church) which I do not begin to pretend to understand. This, I believe, has to have some sort of confirming factors and this type of Prophet, I believe, is more similar to the Old Testament type of prophecy. Let me explain.
The New Testament created a whole new way for prophecy to be accomplished. Instead of condemning others or warning them of the coming doom, 1 Corinthians 14:3 tells us that “one who prophesies speaks to me for edification and sxhortation and consolation” or as Andrew Shearman puts it, “to build us up, stir us up and cheer us up.” This is what prophecy does now. This is why all believers should be speaking words of prophecy to one another. God is always speaking, and if we are speaking the truth of His Word, what possible harm can come from us saying to one another, “God really loves you”? We are often so afraid to speak a word of prophecy because we think it is predicting the future or something, but God simply wants us to speak words of life to one another.
One definition of prophecy we were given was: “God speaks, life happens.” We often say the phrase here, “speak life” which has become overused already, but it is still what we are called to do. We are to speak our the words that build up and change those around us by the love of God. So I want to encourage you today to ask God what He is saying to the people around you, and speak that word of encouragement, exhortation or consolation to them. Do not be afraid to do this!! It is to build up the body and it will build your faith as well.
