Episode Details

How do you know if a prophetic word is truly from God? 2 Peter 1:21 reminds us that prophecy comes from the Holy Spirit—not human will—which means it must be tested, discerned, and handled with humility. While spiritual gifts like prophecy can be powerful and encouraging, they also require wisdom. Not every impression is perfectly interpreted, and not every word is immediately understood.

That’s why Scripture calls us to weigh prophetic words carefully. Sometimes God reveals only a small piece of a bigger picture, and our role is not just to receive or deliver a word, but to discern it in community and align it with God’s truth. When approached with humility, patience, and accountability, prophecy becomes a tool that builds up the church, strengthens faith, and deepens our relationship with God.

Highlights

• Prophecy originates from the Holy Spirit, not human effort
• Misinterpretation doesn’t always mean the message is false
• God often reveals only part of the full picture
• Prophetic words should be tested and discerned in community
• Not all words are fulfilled immediately—timing matters
• Humility is essential when giving or receiving prophecy
• Properly handled, prophecy strengthens and encourages the church

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Full Transcript Below:

Test Prophetic Words Carefully
By: Michelle Lazurek

Bible Reading:
“For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as the Holy Spirit carried them along.” - 2 Peter 1:21

During a recent retreat for mothers and daughters to connect, learn about God's attributes, and hear his voice, we had a time of prayer in which we blessed the mothers and daughters and commissioned them to go out and spread the gospel. At one point during prayer, the mother and daughter sat before me. Placing my hand on her left shoulder, I immediately got a word for the daughter. It was a picture of a violin. 

I had no other words or explanation as to its meaning. I told her that I didn't understand what the picture was, but that it had appeared. After everyone had prayed, I went to get a tissue for the mother and daughter. Upon my return, the daughter explained that she had played violin but then stopped. We laughed because we realized that that was what the Holy Spirit was saying. He was telling her to pick up her violin and make music for him. 

In the church body, we are wired with spi