Friends, you know you get to read my journey as I figure things out, right? Well, yesterday I posted about some “fear” or uncertainty that I’ve had about walking out in the gift of prophecy.
For some, the word “prophecy” might seem scary or mystical — especially if you attend a church where it isn’t practiced or mentioned. Basically, to prophesy is to hear something from the Lord to encourage the person you are praying with. (I hope that cleared up any uneasiness you might have felt.)
This morning as I was reading the bible, the first scripture that stood out to me was:
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Then this next scripture jumped off the page:
Romans 12:6
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.
Wow, talk about confirmation. When Angie and I talked, she said she thought we expected some supernatural thing to happen where our eyes would be open into an unseen realm when we attended the conference. (Not her exact words.) When in all actuality, to prophesy, you must use FAITH. You absolutely have to walk in faith that God is going to provide when you open your mouth. I have never noticed Romans 12:6 before today “let him use it in proportion to his faith.” Yesterday when I posted about needing to walk out in faith about this — I had NO IDEA about this scripture in Romans. Isn’t God wonderful to lead me to this today?
When we prophesied at the conference, no visible doorway was open to another realm in our eyes. However, supernaturally, I’m sure activation took place and God answered our prayers. The conference provided a chance for us to practice this gift and confirm that we could hear correctly from the Lord.
Ok, so now what? Now I must “use it in proportion to [my] faith.”
It was the same way when God gave me the desire to pray in tongues. Why did I want this gift? Because of this scripture:
1 Corinthians 14:1-2
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.
I wanted to speak to God without my mind getting in the way. I wanted to pray His divine will. So what did I do? I bought every book on praying in tongues I could find (ha). I also went to every Spirit-filled conference I could find (locally) and went up for prayer. I shared before about the first time I ever “fell back” when someone prayed for me. I had back problems at the time (God healed back in 2003) and would NOT have fallen backwards in my own will — trust me. As I was lying on the floor, I kept expecting God to take over my mouth and some holy language to pour forth. (Time to play cricket sounds … chirp, chirp, chirp.) Nothing happened, vocally anyway. I just didn’t understand. Spiritually, a lot was taking place.
So one day I had my bible in hand and said, “Father, YOUR WORD SAYS if I ask, I will receive. If I seek, I will find. If I knock, the door WILL be opened.” It was that night that I began to hear some syllables in my mind. It was by FAITH that I used my own will to speak those words. God DID NOT take over my mouth or tongue. So why would I expect prophesy to be any different?
It is absolutely an act of faith — trusting that I am hearing from Him.
This has been a great lesson for me and I wanted to share it with you as well.
Romans 12:11
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
The gift of prophecy can be so powerful. I have watched what I thought were very simple words break chains off of other people. It's something all believers can do. It's all about speaking LIFE and DESTINY into others. So glad to hear you've been practice your gift.
Trust and faith…that is our part! HE will do the rest!
Hugs,
andrea
He only has great things in store for us and yet sometimes we are so afraid of what it is. 🙂 Keep listening with your spirit and He will lead you into every spiritual blessing available.
Keep trusting and obeying sis, He will guide you. I love you.
Hi Beth,
Loved your post today and once again I sure needed to hear this!
How I have learnt about trust and faith over the past year as I have had trial after trial and major GYN surgery. God has been so faithful through all of this and I praise and thank Him! Romans 8:28 a verse I too have have clung to and talked of in my blog last week.
God bless you.
Hugs.
It really is all about faith, isn't it? There are times I wonder why I don't trust as much as I should and then a verse, or a word from a friend, something reminds me to jsut trust Him.
This was a wonderful post. It is all about Trusting Him and our Faith. Taking that first step in Faith and He will bless us beyond our imaginations.
You are exactly right…you have explained the gifts of prophecy and speaking in tongues the same way it was taught to me. 🙂
Great post, Beth!! THere are so many verses in the bible that talk about faith!
Wow, that's so exciting to see God's Word unfold and show you about prophecy according to the Bible.
Wow, that's so exciting to see God's Word unfold and show you about prophecy according to the Bible.
God's Blessings… TRUSTING TO THE LORD AND FAITH is the only equipment I had to overcome my present situation.
Wow Beth…so true and so simple…It is amazing how we miss this stuff …but thanks for pointing it out to all of us…let's all walk in faith believing in God's promise and really taking to heart HIS word…
Beth…
You are one of the most faithful servants I've ever come across. The lessons you share are such a blessing!
Faith. Even as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. Because we relied on Him not on our own. Beautiful post and lots to ponder sister. May the Lord continue to guide you. Thank you for this encouragement. Blessings.
Hi Beth, I'm visiting you for the first time- I found your page for the first time from "God bless my boys"-Kelly Hoosier… So far, I'm liking what you have to say. Concerning your post, I can totally relate.
I agree many people don't really understand the gifts of the Holy Spirit so it freaks them out. We must ask and receive with a child like faith.
I received the gift of praying in tongues when I was 7 years old, I had the faith to believe God would give it to me & he did. From then on, no one could tell me God didn't exist or that the gift of tongues didn't exist.
Many people don't ask for it till they are older & many times are unable to receive because of mental blocks or fear. I'm glad to hear your testimony! Thank you for sharing!