When we read the story of Saul in 1 Samuel 10, we find a fascinating moment:
“The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.” (1 Samuel 10:6, NLT)
Prophecy is one of the beautiful, mysterious gifts God has given to His people — and it’s often misunderstood.
Let’s take a closer look at what Biblical prophecy really is, and how God is still using prophecy today to strengthen, encourage, and guide His people.
What is Biblical Prophecy?
In simple terms, prophecy is God speaking through a person.
Sometimes, prophecy involved foretelling the future — as when Isaiah prophesied the coming of Jesus.
But often, prophecy in Scripture was forth-telling: declaring God’s truth, His heart, His encouragement, or His warnings for a specific time and situation.
Biblical prophecy always has a few key characteristics:
- It originates from God, not human opinion.
- It points people toward God’s will, not away from it.
- It builds up, corrects, encourages, and strengthens God’s people.
In the Old Testament, prophets like Samuel, Elijah, and Isaiah spoke God’s words to kings and nations.
In the New Testament, prophecy became a gift of the Holy Spirit given to the church (see 1 Corinthians 12 and 14).
Paul even urges believers:
“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.” (1 Corinthians 14:1, NIV)
Prophecy is Still Active Today
Some people believe that prophecy ended with the early church.
But Scripture gives us no such clear teaching — and around the world today, countless Christians experience the Spirit of God speaking prophetic words to guide, strengthen, and encourage His people.
Today, prophecy may look like:
- A word of encouragement that comes straight from God’s heart for someone.
- A Spirit-inspired insight that brings clarity to a decision.
- A Scripture shared at just the right moment that changes someone’s direction.
- A vision or dream that reveals part of God’s plan.
Prophecy today is not new Scripture.
The Bible is complete and authoritative.
But prophecy can still be God’s voice confirming His Word, giving timely direction, or stirring hope where it’s needed most.
Paul said:
“The one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.” (1 Corinthians 14:3, NIV)
That’s the heart of New Testament prophecy — not doom, not weirdness, but encouragement and direction rooted in God’s Spirit and His written Word.
How to Grow in Hearing God’s Voice
If you’re a follower of Jesus, you can grow in hearing His voice — and even begin to operate in simple prophetic ways.
Here’s how:
- Stay rooted in Scripture
God will never contradict His written Word.
The more you know His Word, the better you can recognize His voice. - Walk closely with the Holy Spirit
Prophecy flows out of relationship.
Spend time in prayer, worship, and listening. - Ask God to use you
Paul encouraged believers to eagerly desire the gift of prophecy.
Ask God to speak through you to strengthen others. - Test everything
True prophecy will always line up with the Bible, point people to Jesus, and bear good fruit.
(See 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21: “Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good.”) - Stay humble
We prophesy “in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9).
Prophetic people must walk in humility, knowing that they are simply servants speaking as best they can for the King.
Final Thoughts
We live in a noisy world — but God is still speaking.
He speaks through His Word.
He speaks by His Spirit.
And sometimes, He speaks through His people in timely, prophetic ways to build up His church and advance His Kingdom.
Don’t be afraid of prophecy — embrace it, test it, and let it draw you closer to Jesus.
Like Saul, when the Spirit of the Lord comes upon you, you’ll be changed.
Not weird, not boastful — but empowered to serve, to love, and to boldly declare the heart of God for a world that desperately needs to hear Him.
Lord, here we are. Speak through us. Let Your heart flow through our lives to encourage and strengthen those around us. Amen.
