Prophecy is the speaking forth of God’s mind. It is a creative utterance. Things are brought into being which before have only existed in the mind of God. Many times God will use this creative word along with laying on of hands to bring about His desired purposes at a specific point in space and time.
Prophecy opens the understanding that we may accept God’s callings.
God’s callings upon our lives were determined before we were born. But at some point in time, He communicates this to us. Faith comes through hearing. We might not receive all that God would impart to us by another’s hands without His word first creating receptivity within us. We might experience great blessing but later not know what it all meant. God’s Word provides substance for our faith. We can then lay hold of it and aim in a specific direction of fulfillment. It is God’s will for us to have specific anticipation to motivate our development. One of the many ways God gives us this direction is through prophecy and laying on of hands.
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:18).
Prophecy gives us a spiritual weapon for fighting the good fight of faith.
Doubts commonly assail us regarding our place of function in the Body of Christ. Prophecy usually comes as a confirmation to strengthen us in what we already know. After this, we have an easier time combating the suggestions that come against our minds. God’s living Word is always an effective sword in battle.
This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck (1 Timothy 1:18, 19).
Prophecy serves as a revelation not only to us, but to the local church.
We are dependent upon those ministers God has placed over us to share God’s purpose for us. They must approve our calling. They must also approve our readiness to serve in that capacity. These human leaders need direction from God before they can act with confidence and authority in His name.
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Bamabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away (Acts 13:2-3).