Who Me, Gifted?Shembull

Exercising the Gift of Prophecy

How, then, do we exercise the gift of prophecy? We prophesy by applying the Word of God to every situation in our lives. The Bible has a word for you about everything from national politics to family situations. Through the Scriptures, the prophets and apostles biblically instruct us, warn us and exhort us as they promote righteousness and condemn the practice of dead religion. They extend God's gracious invitation for people to repent, and they tell of God's promise of blessing on those who obey Him. There is a word for every situation in our lives in God's Holy Bible.

John Stott says that when we exercise the gift of prophecy, the disturbed are going to be comforted and the comfortable are going to get disturbed. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul paints a picture of the gift of prophecy. It is a gift for the strengthening, encouraging, and comforting of the church. It is to be eagerly desired as a gift that builds up the body of Christ.

The gift of prophecy manifests itself when a believer is able to give insight into the Word of God and accurately apply it to a given situation. Prophecy is operating when you have the right word to witness to someone or to instruct your children. Prophecy may take the form of teaching and preaching, or it may be as simple as having the right verse for a person in a time of need.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of prophecy. I pray that You would give me daily insight into Your Word. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105).