“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy . . . But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort.” (1 Corinthians 14:1, 3 NIV) 

So, this is it. After last week’s intro on spiritual gifts, I promised to share the gift I hoped for.

Prophecy.

Why? Check out the verses above.

Strengthening. Encouragement. Comfort. Exactly my experience when it comes to prophecy. Now, when I say prophecy, I don’t mean a prediction about the last days or other future events, although it can be just that. I mean a word from God to a specific person for encouragement or for a specific situation.

Something supernatural happens when I hear a prophetic word spoken over someone or over myself. For me, prophecy has been accompanied by a deeper understanding of God’s love for me. How intensely personal and detailed His love is. Especially when details or events are spoken of which no one knew but me. My first experience with prophecy occurred with my prayer group. Countless times I would go with a heavy heart—and not say a word. Nothing. Minutes later, someone in the group would say, “Gayle, you know that thing you’re concerned about? God says _____.” And I dissolved into a weepy mess, overwhelmed by God’s love for me.

My faith is strengthened by the confirmation that He is real. He knows me, and He knows my situation. Intimately.

I am encouraged because He reminds me I am not alone. He’s well aware of what’s going on and of how I’m feeling.

I am comforted by His love. Overwhelmed, really. I mean, doesn’t He have bigger and better things to do than mess with me? Apparently not.

God whispers, “I love you and I care.” through the gift of prophecy. It gives me goosebumps—and usually tears—every time.

So that’s it. My Christmas gift for me. What will you ask for?

God, give me the gift of prophecy, because prophecy is the gift of You spoken to a hungry or hurting heart. And it makes me hungry too.

Questions:

What spiritual gift would you like? (For a list, see last week’s post.)

God speaks to me personally too. Why does a word from Him which comes from someoneelse seem to have greater impact?

What has been your experience with prophecy? (Mine is very recent, only in the last three years or so.)

Has someone ever spoken a word of prophecy over you or someone you know?

Have you ever spoken a prophetic word over someone?

Tweetables:

Something supernatural happens when I hear a prophetic word spoken over someone or over myself. Click To Tweet
My faith is strengthened by the knowledge that He is real. He knows me, and He knows my situation. Intimately. Click To Tweet
I am encouraged because He reminds me I am not alone. He’s well aware of what’s going on and how I’m feeling. Click To Tweet
I am comforted by His love. Overwhelmed, really. I mean, doesn’t He have bigger and better things to do than mess with me? Apparently not. Click To Tweet
God whispers, “I love you and I care.” through the gift of prophecy. It gives me goosebumps every time. Click To Tweet