The Gift of Prophecy - Final

Christians often claim promises that were given, for example, specifically to the Israelites. We have had the faith to claim those verses because we consider them to be God’s Word, which could be called upon in different situations, even if they were given for a particular situation or have yet to be fulfilled. We know that the principle of God's miraculous power as exhibited by His promises and their fulfillment is a principle that can be claimed in prayer. We can always benefit from the spiritual principles underlying a promise that was given for a specific time or situation.

We can’t fathom the full scope of God’s plan and will regarding His promises, which is why Paul said, “Who can know the mind of the Lord? … How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out.”1 Only He knows whether, how, or when His promises will be fulfilled. Nor can we say that they won’t be fulfilled in the future. The fulfillment may come about in ways that are different from what we expect or how we may have interpreted the prophecy and expected it to be fulfilled.

He works within the boundaries of our understanding, just as a parent does with a child, who takes the child where he’s at in his development and works within the limits of his capacities. We only know in part. We can only prophesy in part.2

God will generally speak to us within the context of our faith. However, if the Lord wants to give us something outside our understanding, we can trust that as we call on Him desperately for His plan, He surely will—even if He has to come through with revelations beyond our previous experience and faith. By the same token, if He, for reasons known only to Him, decides not to lead us in a new direction until the time of His choosing, we also need to understand that it is within His prerogative to do so.

Ultimately, this is where the God factor comes in, knowing and believing that He is greater than our human limitations and understanding. He guides us in answer to our desperate prayers, even when that might mean expanding beyond our previous boundaries and faith.

1 Romans 11:34, 33.

2 1 Corinthians 13:9.
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Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their up building and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. 1 Corinthians 14:1-40 ESV

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 ESV

In the last days, God says, "I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy." Acts 2:17–18 NIV.