How to Give and Receive Prophetic Words – Prophetic Safeguards and Wisdom

How to Discern the Validity and Accuracy of a Prophecy

1. The word confirms what God has been saying

A great principle is: The word is not new to the receiver; it confirms what God has been saying. Acts 20:22 – Paul felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem, he knew what faced him there and went ahead with the mission – even though the prophet Agabus also later warned him of the consequences: Acts 21:10-15. At the same time – if it is a needed word of correction – it might not be easy to hear, or even a welcome correction if there is rebellion. Sometimes though, the word from God, the prophetic word brings things to attention we have ignored or were unaware of.

2. Consider the character and track record of the messenger

The character of the person bringing the word must be considered as well as the track record they have. Prophet Agabus had a track record of prophesying a famine 15 years ago – Acts 11:27-29.

3. Prophecy should not dictate decisions or manipulate

Prophecies should not dictate the decisions or manipulate the will of a godly person. Paul listened, agreed that it would be dangerous, and followed the Spirit’s leading to go anyway.

4. Prophecy is always only in part

Prophecy is always only in part (1 Corinthians 13:9), you have to get a more complete picture in prayer over time from God. The part that is true in prophecy doesn’t always give the whole picture. Agabus’s “word” was accurate, and Paul was bound in Jerusalem.

But this also gave an opportunity to eventually minister in Rome (Acts 23:11). Another example: Sons of prophets telling Elisha that Elijah will be taken from him today. (2 Kings 2:3, 5, 16 and then to send people to find him 2 Kings 2:18).

5. Do not respond hastily – prayerfully consider it

We should not have a hasty response but prayerfully consider the prophetic word (Luke 2:19). A hasty response is not always required: Wait on God. We should then move ahead with trust in God, as Hezekiah did.

Hezekiah had been told that he would shortly die, but he prayed instead of merely surrendering to the prophecy, and his life realized its intended length—unshortened by his diseased condition. Occasional personal prophecy is not risky if kept on Biblical footings, but neither is it to become the way we plan or direct our lives.

Abraham though, when he himself heard from God – immediately he took the action required (Genesis 22:1-4).

6. Almost all prophetic words are conditional

Almost all prophetic words are conditional, they require your participation (1 Timothy 1:18 & 2 Timothy 1:6-8). Fight according to prophecies. The Bible is THE main prophetic word (2 Peter 1:16-19).

7. Some is for now, some for later

Some of it might be for now – some for later, some might be from Him, some not so much. Again, we see in part and prophecy in part according to the Bible.

8. Act on and align your life with what is from God

If you feel the words in a prophecy are from God – as much as you are able – we encourage you to act on and align your life and priorities with what is said (under the general counsel of the Word of God first – and with the counsel of good wise friends).

9. Share it with good, godly people

A great idea is to share the prophetic word with other good godly people who know you and ask them to pray about what they sense God is saying to you. You can ask them to pray without sharing the word and see what happens. You can also share the word and then ask them to evaluate the word.