Most of the time, when someone receives a word from the Lord prophetically (that they have been called as a prophet) they think, or maybe they don't think, what it will cost. It sounds like such a desired place to be, but actually it can be the loneliest place in the world. It is the office where such death must occur to the flesh.
When the Lord promotes you, not all will see it much less accept it. They only see who they think you are and are sure of one thing, that you have not been called there at all. And with that, they let others know what they think they see about you when in all actuality they don't see. Every prophet called by the Lord has gone through this. It is part of what happens to all of us. You either become bitter over it, or you allow it to graduate you up to a higher level of love and forgiveness. I know some who are reading this can more than identify. But even in that, God will allow it and test your heart in severe rejection, lies and misunderstanding.
Every prophet must start somewhere. It is not always a pretty picture when you start, but you must trust God and step out even when everything in you says everyone is against you but a few. The secret is that of connection and covering. Anyone can miss it, but especially the Prophet. Just because a prophet of the Lord occasionally misses it, does not mean they are not a prophet. It means they are not God! That is why the body of Christ needs to be very discerning and judge each word spoken. Doesn't mean we are to be critical, but discerning.
Many in the body of Christ misinterpret the gift of discernment with a critical, judgmental spirit yet call it discernment. So be very careful. Ask God for great discernment and He will give it to you. Some have this gift very tuned, and some do not. That is why being connected and receiving Godly council is vital for all, especially a new prophet just beginning in the ministry. There is so much to learn and it is so important that you have the right covering and mentor to take you by the hand and help you walk this path. Someone who is very very seasoned and mature in God who can speak truth into your life at all times.
Some of you may think that I have just gone through some terrible ordeal? No, that’s not the case at all. I have already been there and done that and will always have to keep my heart right when people misunderstand who I am in God. This is part of our growing process. I thank God for Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Evangelists, and Pastors. They have each been given to the church for a reason ... to equip the saints, for the work of the ministry.
I personally have wonderful Apostle's and Prophet's over my ministry who are not 'yes' people, but people who will tell it to me like it is. How else do we make adjustments and corrections? None of us are perfect, only trying to get there one day. The call of a prophet can be a very fearful one, because so many depend on you to hear God. This is why much of our time must be spent in our prayer closet alone with God seeking His face. There seems to be a lot more responsibility placed on the prophet and it has been that way throughout scripture. It holds many challenges and yet many rewards as well. Keeping our eyes on Jesus and staying rightly related and plugged into the body of Christ is a must.
Remember, iron sharpens iron. I thank God for everything I have gone through in this walk with Him. It has served to grow me up because I have allowed it to do so. I pray that this year like never before that I look more and more like Him because I have been in His presence more than ever. I pray that is your prayer as well.
So I just wanted to bless each of you and thank God for His body that He died for. You are very precious in His sight.
God bless and may this year be your year for God's promotion, because when God promotes, no man can sit you down.
In His love,
Janet
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