Some have of experienced prophesying or giving a Word in a church setting, while others have not. In some churches, it appears that only a designated few are appointed to speak in such a fashion. In truth, all may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:31 For you may all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be comforted. What it boils down to is perception and belief. Some think only certain individuals “have that gift,” so they don’t believe they’re qualified to speak. This is one reason several believers don’t experience God speaking through them. So let’s address a couple of issues.
Perhaps, we first need to define what is the “gift.” 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. These verses reveal some of the ways Holy Spirit manifests Himself in the Church. Since verse seven clearly says, “But the manifestation of the Spirit,” it means word of wisdom, word of knowledge and prophecy along with the rest are manifestations; not gifts.
(The) Holy Spirit is the Gift, and He manifests through believers in these ways (see Luke 11:13; Acts 2:38; Acts 10:45).
That’s not to say He is limited to these nine things mentioned here. In short, if you have (the) Holy Spirit living inside you, all these things are also available to you. Keep in mind that He directs their use; not us. It’s a question of cooperation on our part.
Chapters 12 through 14 of 1 Corinthians give instruction on how these manifestations function in a public setting. “To one” merely means (the) Holy Spirit will choose an individual through whom He may manifest Himself at a particular moment. Again, everything is verses 7-11 are available to every believer; as opposed to people having them as individual gifts. “I have the gift of prophecy, what’s your gift?” As already stated, (the) Holy Spirit is the Gift who partners with willing vessels. Obviously, if one is unwilling or does not believe he can partner with Him, he will more than likely never experience the manifestation of the Spirit. God intends to partner with everyone, but not everyone is in full cooperation with Him.
It may appear that the Lord elevates some above others in this regard; but that’s not the case.
There was a point in church culture where individuals were elevated above others in similar fashion to the world’s culture of making “stars” out of people. To a degree, this mindset still exists; however, God is tearing down the walls that separate His people. He is eliminating the “superstar” mentality of doing things. In certain sense, “stars” appeared in the Church, but they were not stars. They were pioneers who were bringing biblical truth that was in a sense, lost to the Church as a whole. Some have said, “The ‘gifts’ were for the time of the Apostles and the early church. Once we got the Bible, they weren’t necessary anymore.” Obviously, we need the manifestation of the Spirit now as much as they did back then. Some would say even more so now than ever. God is transforming the Church into a Body ministry versus “Superstar” ministries. That means He wants to partner with you; He doesn’t want to use you. After all, the Father does not use His children. He longs for the relationship in which He does things with them. You can prophesy too!
For those of you who missed opportunities, don’t beat yourself up. Everyone goes through a learning process.
“I felt like I was supposed to give a Word in church, but I wasn’t sure if it was the Lord or me.” No worries, you’ll get there. God made provision for the moment. It does not mean you will never have an opportunity again. If you’re willing, He’s willing. In fact, He wants it more than you; otherwise, such things would not be available. Talk with Him about it. He will help you work it out. Ask Him for clarity, and yes, boldness. This is where grace comes into play. It gives you the ability to do the things of God that you couldn’t do on your own. He is faithful!
As a suggestion, sit quietly in His presence with a notebook and pen available. Listen, and then write down those things you sense He is saying to you. It’s a great way to train your ears to hear His voice. No one else has to see it, but if you want to share it, or feel led to share from it, then by all means go for it. As you learn to trust the Lord more, you will become bolder and more courageous.
