The Call to Steward God's Promises
A Prophetic Word That Changed Everything
I was at a church leadership meeting, and I was invited to prophesy over the leadership team. Excited, I approached one man, feeling confident about the word I had heard for him. I had a clear sense of what God wanted to say and how I would deliver it. But as soon as I opened my mouth, the words that came out were, "Manage your word, bro!!!"
I was stunned. I never give words like that—I tend to speak gently and reflect God's tenderness. But as I looked at the man, I saw the presence of God descend upon him. Tears streamed down his face as he wept in the Father’s presence. What I didn’t know was that this man had been holding onto a prophetic word for a long time but had been afraid to step into it because he feared messing up. My unexpected words were a call to action—a wake-up call for him to step into what God had already spoken.
In that moment, I learned three important lessons:
We have a partnership to play with the words we receive. While God is the one who will bring the prophetic words to fulfillment, we must align ourselves with Him and partner with His plans. This alignment is what I call "Managing our Word." God calls us to steward and act upon the words He speaks over our lives.
There is a difference between encouraging prophetic words and directional prophetic words. Encouraging prophetic words are focused on strengthening and comforting believers in their current season, while directional prophetic words give specific guidance about the future, carrying a call to action.
Stewarding the prophetic word requires responsibility. The words we receive—whether encouraging or directional—must be managed in partnership with God, through action, obedience, and trust in His timing.
Understanding Prophetic Words: Encouraging vs. Directional
The Bible reveals two key types of prophetic words: encouraging and directional. While both are vital to our walk with God, they serve different purposes.
1. Encouraging Prophetic Words
Encouraging prophetic words build up, comfort, and strengthen the believer. They affirm God's love, provide hope, and remind us of His faithfulness. These words are often received in seasons of doubt or struggle, offering reassurance.
Purpose: To encourage the believer in their faith and strengthen their trust in God's promises.
Examples of encouraging words:
1 Corinthians 14:3 – "But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging, and comfort."
Romans 15:4 – "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope."
Encouraging prophetic words remind us of God's love and plans for us, focusing on the present and offering comfort for today.
2. Directional Prophetic Words
Directional prophetic words, on the other hand, offer specific guidance, instructions, or direction from God. These words often speak into decisions, actions, or steps we need to take in alignment with God's will. They carry a weight and call us to step into our destiny.
Purpose: To provide direction, guidance, and clarity for specific situations, decisions, or future actions.
Examples of directional words:
Acts 13:2-3 – "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'"
Acts 16:6-7 – "Paul and his companions traveled... but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to."
Directional prophetic words provide clarity for future steps and call us into action, urging us to align with God's plan.
Key Differences Between Encouraging and Directional Prophetic Words
Aspect | Encouraging Prophetic Words | Directional Prophetic Words |
Purpose | Strengthen, comfort, and inspire the believer | Provide direction and guidance for specific decisions |
Focus | Reaffirms God's love, peace, and promises | Focuses on decisions, plans, and future steps |
Application | Helps believers in times of doubt or struggle | Given during decision-making or when clarity is needed |
Example | 1 Corinthians 14:3 – "Strengthening, encouraging" | Acts 13:2-3 – "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul" |
How to Manage Your Prophetic Word
Managing a prophetic word is not a passive process. It requires action, alignment, and faithfulness. Here are some key Bible verses that offer wisdom on how to respond and steward prophetic words:
1 Timothy 1:18-19 – "This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience."
Prophetic words are not just words—they are spiritual weapons. They should be used in warfare, with faith and integrity.
1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 – "Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good."
It’s important to discern the prophetic words we receive, holding fast to what is good and in alignment with God’s will.
Acts 20:28 – "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock... to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood."
Leaders, in particular, are called to carefully steward prophetic words, ensuring that they guide and protect the people under their care.
Habakkuk 2:2-3 – "Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it... If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come."
Patience is key when waiting for the fulfillment of prophetic words. God's promises will come to pass, even if it feels like they are delayed.
Jeremiah 29:11 – "For I know the plans I have for you... plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
God's plans for us are always good, and we must trust His timing as we walk out the prophetic words He has spoken over our lives.
Conclusion
Prophetic words are gifts from God, meant to encourage and direct us toward His purposes. Whether encouraging or directional, these words must be managed carefully. We are called to align ourselves with God's plan, trust in His timing, and act upon the direction He provides. Just like the man I prophesied over, we must be willing to step into the fulfillment of God’s promises—no matter how daunting the process may seem.
As you steward the prophetic words spoken over you, remember: God’s plans for your life are good, and He will bring them to fruition as you walk in faith and obedience. It's time to manage your word!
Comments