“But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3).
I once received an anonymous note that read, “O foolish Wally. Who has bewitched you? You began in the Spirit; are you now trying to be perfect in your flesh?”
Because I know my own weaknesses my first thought was, “It’s true. Someone has seen what I really am.” I prayed and asked God to help me when my prayer was abruptly interrupted by thoughts that I am sure came from God.
He asked, “Did that strengthen you, encourage you and comfort you?”
“No,” I said. It pretty well devastated me.”
Then He said something that has stayed with me for years. “Then it wasn’t from me.”
I believe in prophecy. I have often been the recipient of anointed words that God put on someone’s heart to share with me. My life has been shaped by those encouraging, inspiring words that God used through someone else to encourage me at just the right time.
Are we ever corrected? Of course! Scripture does that. Paul wrote Timothy and said, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Scripture is “God-breathed” and doesn’t come through someone’s emotional hang-ups or personal agendas. That’s how God corrects us.
Yet, God doesn’t give us the privilege of condemning and judging others with our words. When we speak for Him to others it is for the purpose of strengthening, encouraging and comforting them. That’s because God is a Strengthener, an Encourager and a Comforter.
