Hear Ptophecy

Series: Hear Me

1 Corinthians 14:3 ESV

Speak Prophecy

When I was a young adult an older gentleman spoke words to me quite unexpectedly that made me shudder. His words were strong but gentle.

At the time I didn’t understand what was happening so I didn’t write it down to put in my Bible for future reference.

All I remember is that he said there would be a “shift” in my life at some point. There were other things said but I didn’t remember anything except the shift.

I was a little unsure what to say or do so I simple thanked him. I was twenty when he spoke those words to me.

1 Corinthians 14:3 tells us, “the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.”

When I was fifty the shift came. It was life changing and it completely rocked my world. It took time but I eventually remembered the man’s prophecy.

The man spoke truth. It was truth from God.

In my case the prophecy didn’t seem like it was for building me up. I didn’t think it encourage me but when it came to pass I knew God was preparing me for the shift.

The prophecy was for consolation. It was intended to comfort me after a loss.

What I didn’t know when I was twenty was that after I turned fifty my whole life would change. Everything I’d known for thirty years changed.

At the time I didn’t understand what needed was consolation. Looking back twenty years I now see that God did send consolation.

Very soon after my life suddenly changed my Mother called me one day and told me she had purchased two tickets on a cruise to Alaska. She knew my job had a lucrative vacation packet and she asked me if I could request those days off. The request was approved and she purchased the tickets.

She knew I was in the midst of a significant life change but she didn’t know many of the details.

After three days on the cruise she gently asked me if I wanted to talk about what was happening. I told her everything.

Looking back twenty years I still remember what she said after I told her the story. She said, “I don’t care what it takes. I don’t care what it costs. I will help you.”

To this day I don’t know if she had any idea how comforting her words were to me that day. It meant I had someone standing with me who loved me and would share me heavy load of disappointment and pain.

When I was twenty years old the man prophesied truth to me. At the time I thought it was a little strange and I didn’t understand why it felt like it was a big deal.

The Spirit of God knew why it was a big deal and would be a big deal when it happened.

I’m not sure how I can effectively communicate how I felt when I suffered so many losses in my life at once. I lost my marriage, my home, my church, all of my church friends, my neighbors, a huge chunk of my income, a new car, and my dog. I didn’t expect to lose my dog so that was very upsetting.

My Mother was true to her word. She was a great support during all the changes. As it turned out I found an older condo to rent and the house sold quickly so I did not need her financial support. However, having her emotional support meant a great deal to me.

It also meant a great deal that when it happened the Spirit reminded me of the prophecy I was given thirty years prior to the event. God knows how grateful I was and am for preparing me for this life changing event. Even though it seemed like it “was suddenly” God knew it was coming.

I am more grateful for God’s watch-care than I can express.

The really interesting part of the story twenty years after is that I really was alright after a time. My health insurance had a lucrative counseling packet and someone at work told me about a Spiritual Director who was very helpful. I met with him for several years and he provided great tools.

My future looks bright. I’ve never been afraid of the future and God always manages to send me great friends.

All in all I’d say “God is good…very good to me.”

Deborah/acrazyjourney.com