As a people of God, we need to use prophecies to stand as great ambassadors and defeat the enemy and all circumstances of life. - Rev. Dr. Phillip Phinn

Dr. Phillip S. Phinn, Contributor

Prophecy is a spiritual gift to be pursued as it allows one to tap into the mysteries and knowledge of God. Though one may "know in part and prophesy in part," the Apostle Paul said this gift should be coveted and he further states in 1 Corinthians 14 v 1, "pursue love and desire earnestly spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy."

It is this gift which will impact at every level - physically, mentally and emotionally - reaching individuals regardless of social background, because God is interested in lives and current situations. His goal is about the wholeness of life and the fullness of the Holy Spirit. It is by the resurrection power of Jesus Christ that this gift called prophecy has become operational within the Body of Christ, and thus the value of prophecy should be examined.

Restores people's dignity

Prophecy restores people's dignity and self-respect because it is always an "on-time" word from the Spirit of God, which "edifies, encourages and comforts." (1 Corinthians 14 v 3). The value of prophecy cannot be measured. When God cuts through the darkness to bring light on poor attitudes and concepts about ourselves and by extension others, it forces the individual to understand and appreciate his or her personal value, of being "the head and not the tail" or being "above and not beneath." It allows us "to love others as we love ourselves." Prophecy then, allows us to see God's love and care which aids us in the escape from any snare the enemy tries to use to entrap us.

A prophetic word is a revelatory word. It speaks of greatness which can stir one to stand one's ground, and to enter into prayer and warfare. This takes us into deeper and closer things of God, as we enter the realm of dominion, "calling those things that be not as if they were," and to "bind on earth as it is bound in heaven, and to loose on earth that which is loosed in heaven." Thus, by the tongue and the confession of our lips lies life or death, which puts us on a new path of surrender and a path of no return.

His principles never change

Prophecy may appear harsh at times as it was for the seven churches identified in Revelation 2 and 3. Change and repentance are never easy and the messenger brought in to "stir the waters" not totally appreciated or accepted. God's word brought forth warnings, His wisdom and understanding. God continues to use prophetic utterances, but His principles never change. "In the beginning was the word and theword was with God and the word was God." What is the value of prophecy or the value of a word coming forth from the throne room of God? True and complete life transformation.

Prophecy creates prayer agenda and the agenda is for God's people to follow Paul's instructions to Timothy that, "by these prophecies previously made concerning you, fight a good fight." (1 Timothy 1 v 18). Never let go of a word given, for in due season the reward will be yours.

As a people of God, we need to use prophecies to stand as great ambassadors and defeat the enemy and all circumstances of life.

God's desire is to provide direction, purpose and enhancement of vision, as He at no time wants a perishing people. He still wants victory for His people today and for the nations. He made covenant with Abraham's descendants and as such, prophets are still being raised up in the land to help one and all, individually and collectively. The spoken word, prophecy, may give that direction for a personal and or corporate vision. It is vital that even when the greater picture cannot be seen, that there remains the act of faith and confidence, when God gives a command through whatever means - his word, his audible voice, dreams or visions or via a messenger.

It was Jehoshaphat who defeated the enemy on the basis of a word of prophecy given to him by Jahaziel (2 Chronicles 20 v 14-17). Then there was Joshua, who received prophetic instructions for a battle plan, from a prophetic word given by God himself. Prophecy dictates the outcome when God speaks, be it on a one on one basis, or if He chooses a vessel to make His plan known.

Never underestimate the power of the prophetic, and more importantly, the value of a God-given utterance!