Did You Say Prophecy?

Indeed, upon My servants and My handmaids I will pour out a portion of My spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy.

Acts 2:18 (NABRE)

Perhaps you're a fan of prophetic meetings because you always expect to receive a prediction of your future. You need to hear a message that gives hope and dispels all the doubts in your heart. Most Christians, and sometimes even those who aren't, desire to receive a prophetic message. The only problem is that they don't want to hear a message that tells them what God wants them to change in their lives. They're all looking for words of material blessing.

While in the Old Testament, a prophecy was what God asked the prophets to announce to his people as a warning, in the New Testament, a prophecy is more of a word that edifies, comforts, and exhorts (1 Cor. 14:3). A prophecy doesn't always bring an abundance of blessings that the recipient will receive in the near future. I'm not saying that God won't send a prophecy announcing a blessing. Except, this isn't always the case. God seeks first and foremost the spiritual maturity of His people.

When you hear about a prophetic night, the first question that comes to mind is, "Did you say prophecy?" You go there to receive your share of prophecy. But don't always expect to hear good things about yourself. The prophet Jeremiah didn't always announce beautiful prophecies to God's people. Some predicted times of trouble and gnashing of teeth. Know that everything that edifies you, comforts you in the midst of your trials, and encourages you to change is also a prophecy from God.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.