A reminder of past prophetic words spoken over someone is of greater value than hours of counseling. Counseling is primarily about helping individuals manage their emotions and respond effectively to life’s challenges. A prophetic word is different. It leads us like a spiritual compass through uncharted seasons of life. Prophecy is not a life management tool. It carries supernatural power to lead us to unimagined destinations.
Paul sent Timothy two letters over the course of two or three years. Timothy was facing a difficult time of transition and needed a recalibration. Paul wrote, “Here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles. Cling to your faith in Christ and keep your conscience clear” (I Timothy 1: 18-19.)
Paul had many things to say to Timothy. He based what he said not on sound counseling practices but on the prophetic words spoken over Timothy.
Paul said that Timothy’s words of prophecy will “help you fight well in the Lord’s battles.” Timothy’s ability to stand and “fight well” was sourced in his prophetic words, not from counseling principles. To align Timothy with those words required that Timothy cling to his faith in Christ, especially when faced with challenges that affected him emotionally.
It’s a rare thing for someone not to move forward who was faithfully acting on the prophetic words spoken over them if they were clinging to the Lord in the process. Our obedience to the prophetic words spoken to us throughout our lifetime will reveal the prophetic steps the Lord has placed before us, marking our journey of obedience.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Garris Elkins
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