1Co. 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to other diverse kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: In our last session we looked briefly at the gift of the Spirit called “Miracles”. Today let us examine the supernatural gift given by the Holy Spirit called prophesy. The gift of prophecy is specifically for the church, the local body. It is sent to edify, exhort and to comfort. God wants His people strong and at peace. Often times we are confronted with situations beyond our ability to remedy. In times such as these the Holy Spirit will speak a word through someone who believes and yields to the Spirit of God to help. The word may be for an individual or for the whole assembly. The Holy Spirit is our comforter and our helper, but He uses people. He teaches us to look beyond our circumstances and difficulties and see the bigger issue. It is God who has the final
say. We need to stay focused on our Lord Jesus Christ (Heb. 12:2). When this gift is in operation, it is a supernatural occurrence. It is not someone’s compassion or knowledge that is being brought forth but a supernatural occurrence initiated by the Holy Spirit. It is the manifestation or an utterance of the mind and will of God.
As an example, perhaps someone is in dreadful fear of something. Maybe they had a nightmare or have always been fearful of impending disaster. The Spirit of God may move upon someone supernaturally (they wouldn’t know the situation) to say “fear not for I am with you and will protect and keep you.” The person to whom it was intended would sense in their spirit that God was giving them reassurance and that they needed to just trust Him. God does not want us to live in fear but has given us His peace. If you let fear have a place in your heart or give it space in your mind, it can drive you nuts. That is not the will of God!
Another example of the supernatural gift of prophesy given by the Holy Spirit occurred when Saul of Tarsus was on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians. Jesus met him on the road and he was blinded. God spoke directly to Ananias (Acts chapter 9) and told him that Saul, who became the Apostle Paul, was a chosen vessel to God. That reassurance enabled Ananias to do what God told him to do and go and pray for Saul. God can use a dream, a vision, a person or another means to get His message across to us. We need to simply trust God, confirm it with His Word and believe.
Maranatha!