Prophecy, I believe I would recognize a prophet if one spoke to me. I can testify that I see and hear prophecy almost daily. All children of God will prophesy (Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17), and I believe in the nine Gifts of the Spirit. Faith is a gift from God (1 Corinthians 12:9).

1 Corinthians 14:1,3
¹ Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. ³ But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.

If I were called to prophesy to others I don’t think I would react to a prophetic calling any differently than Moses, Gideon or Jeremiah. I would probably tell the Lord “I do not know how to speak, for I am only (human),” (Jeremiah 1:6) or what Gideon said, “My clan is the weakest in (my area), and I am the least in my family,” (Judges 6:15). Or I might say what Moses said, “Who am I that I should go…” (Exodus 3:11).

Flog in your synagogues

I’m sure I would have to overcome fear as I know all of God’s prophets, as shown in the Bible, were persecuted, mocked (2 Chronicles 36:16), killed (premeditated attempted murder Judges 6:30), denied (Matthew 23:34), stoned (Acts 14:19) and beaten (2 Corinthians 11:25).

Jeremiah was silenced by lowered him into a cistern because the people in power were enjoying the status quo and didn’t want change and didn’t want to go and didn’t like what the Lord gave Jeremiah to say, (Jeremiah 38:1-6). But God. But God sent a eunuch to save him from death (Jeremiah 38:7-13). When you’re stuck in the pit and sinking in the mire, God’s plan to lift you out and save your life could at least require some old rags, worn-out clothes, the commands of a king, thirty men, some rope and the testimony of the foreigner Ebed-Melek to raise you from the pit to the palace. God showed up for Jeremiah.

Amos 7:12-14
¹² Then Amaziah said to Amos, “Get out, you seer! Go back to the land of Judah. Earn your bread there and do your prophesying there. ¹³ Don’t prophesy anymore at Bethel, because this is the king’s sanctuary and the temple of the kingdom.” ¹⁴ Amos answered Amaziah, “I am no prophet, nor a prophet’s son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees.

I have been reluctant and fearful to speak a divine word of knowledge, yes, I have missed opportunities and acted rebellious of God. However, I have also stepped into prophecy and delivered messages, obey.

Who will resist God’s plan

The devil will try everything and do anything to stop the movement of God. “But, the devil ain’t got no keys, y’all,” I heard a wise person say about “…keys of the kingdom of heaven;” (Matthew 16:19). I have spoken prophesy into people’s lives, and certainly the consequences included increased attacks from the evil one. The devil does not like the Victory and Love from which brothers and sisters in Christ operate. There is more to run to than to run from. Love will prevail. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

When God calls you into something greater, you also enter into the dealings of God.
You don’t know what is in your own heart, but He does.
He uproots what has to be uprooted so you can be fruitful later. Let Him deal with it.
Jennifer Eivaz

(This that I write was inspired by my friend (since 6th grade) posting on Facebook to ask questions about scripture. Here is what he wrote on January 27, 2025:)

Jeremiah 1:4-10 is the Old Testament lectionary passage for Sunday (this will be read in tens of thousands of churches across the world this Sunday). As you read it, I want you to ask yourself two questions: Would I recognize a prophet if one spoke to me? Would I have the courage and faith to speak God’s words to a person, if God so moved me?
Pastor Paul Burns