Take Action
Receiving a prophetic word is more active than it looks. It’s different from receiving a compliment. When I receive a compliment, I say, “Thank you,” and then I go on with my day. Receiving a prophetic word often requires action, so that there is agreement with the word in more than just thought only. If you have received a prophetic word that you would like to see come to pass, actively agree with the word so that you can take part in releasing the word. This can mean praying about the word and asking God for guidance on what to do. This can mean doing a prophetic act that is aligned with the word. It could also mean actually doing something that is part of what the prophetic word is about.
For example, in 2002 I received a prophetic word that God has called me to be a Voice. At the time, I was not a naturally gifted speaker. I was known for being very shy, and I did not like to speak up for myself. But I knew in my heart that being “a voice” was a word from God. I knew I had a heart to become a teacher, and that, of course, speaking in front of people was integral to being a teacher.
It would have been easy for me to just receive the word about being a voice, and just hope the word would happen on its own somehow. But it was a prophetic word that I needed to pursue if I wanted it to happen. God gave me opportunities to speak in front of small groups, to begin with, and it was awkward and uncomfortable to step out, but I determined that taking action and agreeing with the word was important if it was going to come to pass.
Since then, I have taught prophetic courses in churches and on ministry trips all over the world. When I pursued this word, God opened doors for me, first small ones that were just about obedience and trying it out, and then larger opportunities came to minister in churches and schools. In each case, I was stepping towards being the Voice that God called me to be.
Recently, I have received several words about God “enlarging my tent pegs” and though I do not know exactly what that will look like when it happens, I am currently asking God to help me prepare for this—I want to agree with His words and take action.
Look at prophetic words that have been spoken over your life. Talk to God about them—ask Him to show you how to pursue them. He will show you how to take action that agrees with His words.
