But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification (building up) and exhortation (speaking perseverance) and consolation (comfort). 1 Corinthians 14:3
For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted. 1 Corinthians 14:31
What??? All can prophesy?? Prophecy?? Is this a thing for the everyday Christian? What does that even mean?
If you are like me you may have come across 1 Corinthians 14:3 and 31 and just sort of scratched your head. “You can all prophesy,” Let’s take the mystical out of it and say that one of the definitions of prophecy is: the testimony of Jesus and the revelation of what is on His heart for His people.
We know that what is on Jesus’ heart is always good. Everyone who has accepted Jesus as their Savior has the Holy Spirit living inside of them. The Holy Spirit conveys to our mind thoughts that we can communicate to others. This is a form of prophecy!
Have you ever had a friend going through an extremely difficult time and felt helpless because you “didn’t know what to say?” Jesus always knows what to say and He wants us to help and encourage each other. Ask the Holy Spirit what is on His heart for this person. James 4:2 tells us, “you do not have because you do not ask.” The simple act of asking makes us receptive and attentive to what He is doing and postures us to receive the Spirit’s impression.
Now, be attentive to the still, small voice, the faint impression. Maybe the Holy Spirit will show you a picture of something or bring to mind a verse or a story from the Bible. Speak it out, in faith, trusting that Jesus will take our meager offerings and turn them into just the right banquet that our hurting friend needs. Be bold and try it! The Word promises us that if we ask for bread that He won’t give us a stone.
He is a good, good Father and He loves to give us good gifts. What better gift than to get to participate in encouraging a brother or sister in the Lord? Or being the one that gets to partner with God and bring that perfect word in due season? God wants to use you, yes YOU!