And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Acts 16:9-10 English Standard Version

 

A prophetic word is God's way of transitioning us into our new season.

When reading the Acts of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit was actively directing and leading Paul through timely prophetic words, visions, and supernatural experiences. After the Holy Spirit prevented Paul from preaching the gospel in Asia twice, Paul was supernaturally led to plant churches in Macedonia. This episode demonstrates Paul's close collaboration with the Holy Spirit in conducting God's purpose.

We should yearn to hear God, and our primary means of hearing God is through encountering Him in the Scripture. However, God will also use a variety of ways to guide us towards the future He has intended for us. No matter what means or methods God uses to convey His message, the content never contradicts His Word. God will gradually increase our obedience as we take those steps of trust, until we are fully convinced that God will do what He has promised.

In 1 Corinthians 14:1, Paul instructs us to passionately pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, the most important of which is the ability to prophesy. A prophetic word will help people grow stronger in faith, and a means of encouragement and comfort during times of transition and change.

Let us look at some biblical examples of people who were impacted by prophetic words. When the Holy Spirit interrupted Paul with a prophetic word, he found significant success and major breakthroughs. In accordance with the prophetic words spoken over Timothy, he was encouraged to become an evangelist and a minister of God's Word (1 Timothy 1:18). Agabus’ timely message prepared the church for famine (Acts 11:27-28).

If you have been given a prophetic word, you must pray, like Paul did for the Ephesians, for the "Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him" (Ephesians 1:17-18 ESV), so that you can partner with the Holy Spirit to go forwards in new ways and new locations.