Hearing His Voice #300

Be eager to prophesy.

1 Corinthians 14:39

When I saw the woman visiting our church, a phrase echoed in my mind: “We don’t negotiate with terrorists.” It seemed so random. Had I read it in the news recently? Was it a vestige of the incessant sound bites that play in the background of our lives? I didn’t know, but I decided to step out on a limb. When the time came for public encouragement of one another, I told the woman, “I hear the Lord saying, ‘We do not negotiate with terrorists.’” Her mouth dropped open, and I went on. “I believe He wants you to know that whatever the enemy attempts in your life, you are not to compromise your calling. God wants you to fulfill what He has put in your heart to do. Don’t be tempted to make concessions.”

The woman later explained that she had been facing a ruthless challenge to her sense of calling, and she was trying to stand firm. She wasn’t losing that battle—not yet. But God’s encouragement ensured that she would be able to continue to fight the good fight. God let her know that the obstacles against her were not an indication of His will. They were an intrusion, an opposition she was meant to resist and overcome. Knowing that may have made all the difference in how she would respond further along in her journey.

We need to take risks in sharing our impressions and spiritual impulses with others. Scripture gives ominous warnings about prophesying falsely, yet there were schools and companies of prophets in many periods of biblical history—the implication being that the prophetic gift, like all others, involves a learning process. And in the New Testament church, Paul urged everyone to cultivate their prophetic gifts. That can’t happen unless we go out on a few limbs. When we take steps of faith to share God’s heart, we will find ourselves generously supported by His Spirit and surrounded by plenty of grace in the learning process.

Lord, give me the grace to go for it. I’m willing to try and fail, but expecting to be backed up by Your Spirit. I trust the impulses and impressions You put within me.