Over the decades dozens of prophets, pastors and laymen have had prophetic words for me. Even though I've not sought out prophets or gone to prophecy meetings/events, I've had - what I think is - quite a bit of experience with the prophetic, and it's been a significant part of my walk.
Many of these people haven't known anything about me, not even my name. I have audio recordings of some, and written notes by other people and myself for the rest. I have kept them all carefully cataloged.
A few random observations:
Most have had insight into my life, past, heart that they could not possibly have guessed. But some of these people have got some details wrong. For example, a pastor/prophet saw something that had happened to me accurately, but thought it had happened at church, it had happened at work.
One prophet saw some things in my past and heart accurately, but then predicted something a number of years/months in the future which absolutely did not come about (though it's possible it may in the future).
I've had several prophets/people in two different countries use the same imagery, and have even had prophets in different countries put two seemingly unrelated images together.
Generally, prophecy has been an encouragement about Gods hand on my life, rather than directional. When Ive tried to fulfill prophecy, I have failed.
I have sometimes been reduced to tears by prophecy that has revealed Gods intimate concern; and one minor comment in a lengthy prophecy caused me to fall at Gods feet almost ten years later.
Many were extremely timely. One week I listed some serious concerns I had, that Sunday I visited a church and the pastor had a prophecy for me that addressed each of those concerns.
Of all the prophecies, a handful were significant in length, detail, accuracy and timeliness. These were all delivered by pastors or well recognized prophets.
There have been brief prophecies/words from friends or acquaintances that have turned out to be relevant and accurate. But these have been less reliable than those from leaders or known prophets.
As a note of interest. Before I was Christian, I had been involved in the occult, and I should point out that there were tarot card readings and séances that accurately foreseen some future events, with similar personal predictions to many of the prophecies I have received.
I also believe there are false prophets in the church who have spiritual insight. Dont believe every spiritual miracle is from God. The enemy has always been able to replicate true miracles. I know of serious damage done by the prophetic in the hands of spirits.
I wish I could nail down a solid doctrinal black or white approach to prophecy. But my experience with their accurate reality, and yet lack of hang your hat on it exactness keeps me from making 100% only doctrinal statements.
My Personal Conclusion
People do see things in the spiritual realm. But they see through a glass darkly.
Be cautious of taking them word for word literally, although some may be extremely exact. If they are directional or instructional, dont grab them and run with it, but take them into account as another piece of the decision making process. The prophets reputation, and personal Holiness, is relevant. Pay more attention when the same theme comes up again and again.
Treat them like sermons, which should be questioned, held up to scripture, seen in context, and applied to the heart. They are what they are. If they speak to your heart with insight, be encouraged and let God minister to you.
peace,
Simon
