It's kind of scary to begin to walk in a spiritual gift given to you by God. I suppose it can be likened to Peter's walk on water. It is very exciting at the same time it is humbling and frightening. I've know for many years that I was given a prophetic gift. Through the years I've operated in this gift occasionally, but always from hindsight, realizing it from an after-the-fact perspective. Recently, I have begun to speak into the lives of some of my friends. I found that all I have to do is be willing and open my mouth. The Holy Spirit takes if from there, giving me boldness and authority.
I have a friend named Mary. A few years ago, Mary came out of a very dark place in her life. The Lord rescued her from an extremely abusive relationship that would have resulted in her death, had she not heeded the Holy Spirit's prompting. In the nick of time she was given an opportunity to rent a beautiful condo in a nice neighborhood for a reasonable amount of rent. What happened for a number of months after she moved in was amazing. She began decorating her new place with a certain color theme. I was there when these ideas started coming to her. In a matter of weeks Mary had transformed that plain condo into a place of beauty, a haven of peace and tranquility. Everything she brought in matched with the central color scheme right down to the bathroom toiletries. We laughed how God had been her interior decorator.
Two dayago I was at Mary's for lunch when I realized her place was like a walled garden. The Song of Songs came to my mind. That's when I spoke into her life. I told her that her life in her condo is a living prophecy concerning not only her life, but the life of the church. Mary has been praying for God send His man for her into her life. She has prayed for several years now that the Lord would prepare her heart for such an event. About a month ago, Mary told me that sometimes she grows weary with waiting. The Bride of Christ today is groaning and travailing, and weeping in the garden, for the Bridegroom. "How much longer, Lord? How much longer?" Mary is a living prophecy, or picture of the Church's heart cry.
Mary and I rejoiced in awe over God's word for her. Just as the special man God has promised Mary is right around the corner, so is our Beloved, the Bridegroom, is right around the corner. In the next blog I will share what the Lord has revealed to me about my own life. For now, why not pray and ask God to help you walk in the spiritual gifts He has given you.
Though I am personally skeptical of such "words", the encouragement you have brought to Mary is both positive and powerful.
Posted by: Mike Baldwin | July 29, 2009 at 02:08 PM