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The following blog is a summary of a message preached by Pastor Eddie Lawrence.

Watch the Sermon HERE!

God has equipped believers with powerful tools for spiritual warfare, and one of the most potent yet often neglected weapons is the prophetic word. Many Christians have received prophetic words at some point in their journey but haven't fully understood how to use them in battle.

What Is a Prophetic Word?

A prophetic word is a message from God delivered through a person to encourage, exhort, comfort, or guide someone else. Unlike general Bible prophecies, personal prophetic words speak directly to your specific situation, calling, or future.

In 1 Timothy 1:18, Paul instructs Timothy: "This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare." Paul wasn't referring to Old Testament prophecies but to personal prophetic words spoken over Timothy's life that he could use as weapons in spiritual battle.

Is Prophecy Still for Today's Church?

Many wonder if prophetic ministry is still valid for today's church. Acts 2:17-18 answers this question clearly:

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on my menservants and on my maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy."

God Himself declared that in the last days (which we are still in), both men and women would prophesy. This wasn't just for the twelve disciples or the early church—it's for all believers filled with the Holy Spirit.

Why Is Prophecy Important for Believers?

In 1 Corinthians 14:1-3, Paul encourages believers to "pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy."

 

He explains that prophecy serves three vital purposes:

  • Edification - Building up others in faith
  • Exhortation - Encouraging others to step into God's will
  • Comfort - Consoling those who are weary in battle

 

Paul even warns in 1 Thessalonians 5:20, "Do not despise prophecies." The word "despise" means to treat as insignificant or useless. Many believers have received powerful prophetic words but have treated them as insignificant by filing them away and forgetting them.

How God Uses Prophetic Words in Our Lives

A personal example illustrates how God works through prophetic words. Years ago, the Lord prompted me to "decree that He is the restorer of lost treasures." Nine days after this prophetic experience, news broke about the largest discovery of ancient gold coins in history off the coast of Israel—a literal restoration of lost treasure.

After sharing this word with our congregation, numerous testimonies emerged:

  • A woman recovered a box of high school memorabilia that had been lost for 40 years
  • Someone unexpectedly received $30,000 they didn't know was coming
  • A young man found his wallet with all his money intact after it had been missing for 18 months
  • Family heirlooms mysteriously reappeared

 

God confirmed His word as the "restorer of lost treasures" in tangible ways, demonstrating the power of prophetic declaration.

Four Truths About Battling with Prophetic Words

1. God Still Speaks Through the Prophetic

Despite what some may teach, God continues to speak prophetically to His people today. We must not despise or neglect the prophetic words He's already given us. Sometimes we're constantly seeking new words when we haven't properly stewarded the ones we've already received.

2. Change Is Required for the Word to Come Forth

When you receive a prophetic word about your future, it usually describes a situation different from your current reality. This means change must occur—either in you, in others, or in circumstances—for that word to be fulfilled. Be open to the Holy Spirit's work in preparing and positioning you for the fulfillment of that word.

3. Your Prophetic Word Will Be Tested

Joseph received a prophetic dream that his brothers would bow down to him, but the next thing that happened was those same brothers throwing him into a pit. Psalm 105:19 tells us "the word of the Lord tested him until it came to pass." Similarly, Jesus was declared God's beloved Son at His baptism, then immediately led into the wilderness to be tested.

Don't be surprised if after receiving an encouraging prophetic word, you face opposition or circumstances that seem to contradict it. This testing period is normal and necessary.

4. You Must Wage War for Your Future with the Word

Paul instructed Timothy to take the prophecies spoken over him and "wage the good warfare" with them. Prophetic words are weapons in your hand, but they require your active participation. You must contend for them, pray through them, and stand on them during seasons of opposition.

5. Provision Comes as You Respond Obediently

While some prophetic words may come to pass regardless of your response, most require your faith and obedience. If God gives you a word about your future, align yourself with what He's saying rather than your own feelings of inadequacy. Your obedient response activates the provision needed for fulfillment.

Life Application

Take time this week to gather the prophetic words that have been spoken over your life. Perhaps you've written them in journals, received them in emails, or recorded them somewhere. If you've forgotten important words, ask the Holy Spirit to bring them back to your remembrance.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Have I been treating prophetic words as insignificant in my life?
  • What prophetic words has God given me that I've neglected to war with?
  • What changes might God be requiring of me to position me for the fulfillment of His promises?
  • In what areas am I experiencing testing related to prophetic words I've received?
  • How can I begin actively warring with these words in prayer and declaration?

 

Remember, God is "the restorer of lost treasures." He can restore relationships, opportunities, health, finances, and even time that seems to have been lost. Begin declaring His prophetic words over your life again, and watch Him bring restoration in ways you never imagined possible.