How to Interpret and Apply Personal Prophecy by Ian Wilkinson

Ian Wilkinson is one of our Christian Leadership University students. Let’s say God gives you a personal word of prophecy that you will prosper this year. Simple and succinct. You will prosper this year. Right?

Remember that God speaks in pictures and parables and His ‘language’ requires interpretation. Remember that rhema words (prophecy) are often short. Word of knowledge, for example, means fragment of knowledge. Finally, a prophetic word is an invitation to connect. God is not making a statement. He is initiating a conversation. “You will prosper this year,” may simply be Him starting a dialogue - so ask questions of Him.

Here are some simple steps to follow

1.     Hear the word and write it down

“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.” Hab. 2:2 NKJV

2.     Test the word - check it out

“Test all things; hold fast what is good.” 1 Thess 5:21 NKJV

Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.”  2 Chron. 20:20 NKJV

The Scriptures back up the idea that God wants to prosper us. So, the rhema passes the test.

3.     Validate the word, and then declare it to be from God

Once tested we declare it to be from God and therefore we decide “This is from God, I will pay it heed.” “God is going to prosper me!”

4.     Believe it – put faith and trust in the word

We believe the prophecy - we trust God will do what He said. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Believing is a vital step. Prophecies all come with conditions and the first condition is that you believe. If you take the ‘wait and see’ (passive) approach you may never see the word fulfilled.

5.     Seek divine counsel - journal and Interpret.

God speaks in a parabolic language so ask God for details. You are going to have to interpret the prophetic word. “You will prosper this year.” Well, we know the when - this year not ten years from now. What does prosper mean? Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. (3 John 1:2 NKJV) Does it mean to prosper in all things? Or specifically in one area - spiritually, socially, financially? Does it include good health? Does it mean success on a project? Seek the Lord and find out. Ask about the conditions - if there are any and what they are. Call on Him - dial direct. Tune to flow and journal. This is faith in action.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jer. 29:10–12 NKJV

6.     Partner with God - connect

“If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies.” (1 Peter 4:11 NKJV) You need to partner with grace in order to fulfill the word of the Lord. Using your own wisdom and strength will produce an Ishmael. Take His yoke (partner). The prophetic word was an invitation to connect - so connect. Determine that you will ask Him for help.

7.     Act on it - do it with God

Do what you’re supposed to do with His help. Let Him guide. Usually, one condition to seeing God in action is for you to take action. Moses lifted his rod and the waters parted. The priests stepped into the Jordan and the waters backed up. Ask Him what action to take. In 2 Chronicles 20 they had to stand on the field of battle and believe God would fight. They had to go out and stand in the field. If everyone else is inside sitting down, you’ll be outstanding in your field.

8.     Get needed knowledge - acquire new skills, develop new abilities, get wisdom

Occasionally you will be required to do something outside your current comfort zone. God might tell you to write a book and you're comfortable with that but then he says to market the book but you don’t know how. Prosperity is possible but you have to comply with some steps. You may have to learn some new skills. Be open and willing to do that with His help.

9.     Prosper

Reap the reward of faith. Enjoy his Presence. God is good. The prosperity you will enjoy may be financial but since you connected and partnered with the Lord in order to prosper financially you have also prospered in getting to know Him better. And that may turn out to be the best part.

Journaling application

• Lord, what do You want to speak to me about these truths?
• Lord, do You have a prophetic word or instruction for me for this coming year?