Dan McCollam - Discover the Heart of Prophecy

Discover the Heart of Prophecy

Have you ever wondered why God chose to give the gift of prophecy to His people? Is it merely about predicting the future, or is there a deeper, more profound purpose? The answer might surprise you! The Bible teaches that prophecy is about more than just foretelling—it's about building up, encouraging, and comforting God’s people.

1. Prophecy Builds Up the Church

Scripture shows us that prophecy is a tool God uses to strengthen His people. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 14:3, “But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging, and comfort.” In my forties, I had just transitioned out of vocational ministry. The loss of title and position had unexpectedly put my identity in a spin. I felt like I didn’t know who I was any more. One day, a precious prayer warrior approached me at church and said, “You’ve been struggling with your identity.” I affirmed that this was true. She continued, “The Lord told me who you are.” I Got really excited. She said, "Open your hand." I obeyed as she dropped a McDonald’s Happy Meal toy figure of a Mr. Potato Head into my hand. “The Lord says that, like this toy, you are whoever I call you to be.” From that day on, I ceased to struggle in that area. The prophetic word gave me the comfort and confidence to rest in each day’s assignment. 

2. Prophecy Reveals God’s Heart

God longs to share His intentions with His people. Prophecy allows us to hear God’s heart and participate in His divine purposes. One of the greatest prophetic words you can give to someone is to tell them who God wants to be for them in a specific season. These types of words reveal the heart of the Father and point us to fresh treasures of God’s character and nature.

3. Prophecy Equips Us for Ministry

In Ephesians 4:11-13, Paul describes prophecy as one of the gifts given to equip believers for ministry and to build unity within the church. This often takes place in the form of clarifying the calls and assignments upon our lives through the prophetic word. The Body of Christ grows together in love as each part provides the work they are uniquely designed to supply.

Reflection Questions:

• How has prophecy strengthened or encouraged you in the past?
• Are you open to allowing God to use you as a vessel for prophetic encouragement in the lives of others?
• What steps can you take this week to align yourself with the purposes of prophecy?

Practical Challenge:
Meditate on 1 Corinthians 14:3 and pray about how God might want to use you to encourage and strengthen someone in your community.

Need Help?

If you need help recognizing God's voice, we can help. Register for Prophetic Company's online ACTIVATE 101 course on "Ways to hear God." Click here to register.  You can always visit www.propheticcompany.com for more resources and teachings on growing in your prophetic journey. 

Prophecy is about glorifying God and edifying His church. Let's active this gift with humility, faith, and purpose.

Sincerely, 

Dan McCollam is co-founder of Prophetic Company and author of Love & Prophecy, Basic Training for Prophetic Activation, and Prophetic Company.