Prophetic Word Question

Dear Anonymous,

You wrote a comment regarding prophetic words to me before Christmas. I’m sorry that I haven’t responded sooner, but here are my thoughts regarding your questions.

Of course, I don’t know you or the pastor who gave you a prophetic word about your future, so it’s difficult for me to answer your questions with a “yes, this is good” or a “no, it’s way off base”, but consider these few comments. I hope they are of help to you.

1. Prophecy in the New Testament differs from the prophets of the Old Testament up to John the Baptist, in that they must be judged for accuracy. I Corinthians 14:29 “Let two or three prophets speak and let the others pass judgment” and verse 32 reads, “the spirits of the prophet are subject to the prophet.”

Because a person who prophecies is in control of what he says or does not say, he must be judged by other spiritually mature believers as to what he or she actually speaks. Again I don’t know the pastor or you, so I am not qualified to make that judgment.

2. If the prophesy was accurate and your friends did not believe it, that does not negate the power or truth of the prophecy. God’s plans do not depend on people around who believe in you. Consider Joseph’s brothers who didn’t believe him, and Jeremiah’s listeners who thought he was crazy.

3. Prophecies are for the purpose of encouraging us. They are observations from God who leads us from the future. They are not promises or commands. We are not obligated to work them out—only to walk in obedience down the path he unfolds before us each day. As we obey, God will work out his plans in our lives.

4. Here are some questions for you to ponder:

• Did you feel it was God’s words that were being spoken to you? Not just the emotion of the moment, but an inner confidence that this was God’s will for you?
• How old are you? I’ve seen people do great things for God in their 60’s or 80’s. If you still feel the same, it’s not too late. As long as you are breathing there’s still time for God to use you.
• Are you on the right path? Are you tuned into God’s voice? Is there anything you need to repent of? Start where you are today—don’t worry about where you could’ve been.
• Can you take a step toward fulfilling your part of the prophecy? A Bible School course? A Seminar? Start serving in your local church?

Finally, I’d recommend that you talk with your pastor about this issue.

Blessings to you.

Barry