"But if all of you are prophesying, and unbelievers or
people who don’t understand these things come into your meeting, they will be
convicted of sin and judged by what you say.
As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed and they will fall
to their knees and worship God, declaring, “God is truly here among you.” I Corinthians 14: 24-25
After some years in ministry among Muslims I came to
see that it is helpful to operate with prophetic gifting. You may wonder why.
It is because all human beings are prone to live in secrecy and deception; but
especially those raised in honor and shame based cultures. None of us wants to
be exposed or come freely into the Light. There is a desperate attempt to hide
our true selves.
Walking in love
is to be our highest goal because without love the prophetic gift is dangerous.
A prophetic gift, used in a carnal way, can ruin people and give Muslims the
impression we are like psychics. That would be a travesty. I asked God to give
me the gift only if it would be helpful in my ministry among Muslims and
believers and help accomplish His purposes.
I also desired that I would not know at the time when the ability is
actually being used by God, which, of course, is a given if it is truly
prophetic. There would be an avoidance of planning, prying, snooping, scheming,
investigating, or analyzing when speaking into my friends’ lives. It just would
happen by the Spirit of God.
What does it
look like to see prophetic gifting at work? The Spirit can steer conversations
with Muslim friends in totally unexpected directions when suddenly we hear a
confession of a sin kept secret. That proves to be liberating for our friends
and gives us opportunities to speak of forgiveness found in Jesus. Often confusing
dreams get exposed and God enables us to help them see God’s truth hidden in
them. Without planning ahead, or knowing private situations, just the right
verses are read. Once I heard the Spirit say, “Read I Corinthians 5:1 to your
friend.” I thought that was odd but obeyed. Out came pent up pain of her being
sexually abused! Recently I visited a
Muslim background believer when our conversation suddenly exposed her emotional
pain. Without thinking I uttered a response which proved to be prophetic in
nature and hit the spot of need in her life.
Perhaps you are weary of having social chit chat over
drinking endless cups of tea. You so much desire for God to open up meaningful
spiritual conversations. Why not ask God to give you the ability to prophesy
into your Muslim friend’s life? It is okay to ask God for that. He can take you
to a deeper level of ministry. It will not be learned by following a manual but
rather a supernatural ability will be given to you. I believe every person in ministry among Muslims
would benefit from the ability to prophesy – but only if clothed first in
humility and love. Ultimately we want them to know that “God is surely here!”
Dear heavenly Father, help me to not be afraid of
prophetic gifting which is from your Spirit and for your purposes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
