Divine insight: Prophets, prophecy and deception

By Humphrey Mtandwa | Sep. 8, 2024

Many people express a strong desire for God to speak into their lives. However, when they receive a prophetic word that contradicts their expectations, they often seek out someone else to prophecy over them. The real issue is not that prophecy is unreliable but that many individuals want confirmation of their own plans rather than a genuine word from God.

The Bible provides a clear example in the story of King Saul. When Samuel died, Saul found himself in a difficult position, seeking guidance from the Lord. He inquired of the Lord through dreams but received no answer. He also tried using the Urim and Thummim and seeking out prophets, but all methods failed. Eventually, Saul resorted to seeking a woman with a familiar spirit to summon the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel. Even after Samuel spoke, Saul ignored the message and proceeded with his plans, leading to the end of his reign (1 Samuel 28).

This illustrates a critical point: many people today seek prophetic words but fail to seek God Himself. They often approach prophets with a predetermined desire for a specific outcome rather than an open heart for God’s will. To properly position yourself to receive a prophetic word, you must first understand the biblical principle that God provides shepherds after His own heart. As Jeremiah 3:15 says, “Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.”

The key is not to pressure a prophet to speak what you want to hear but to seek God, asking Him for direction and clarity. Pray earnestly, as David did in 2 Samuel 5:19, “So David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?’ The Lord answered him, ‘Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.’”

Micah, another prophet, faced opposition from King Ahab because Ahab preferred prophets who spoke what he wanted to hear. Micah discerned the presence of a lying spirit among Ahab’s prophets and spoke the truth about Ahab's impending defeat (1 Kings 22:22-23). This example underscores that true prophetic voices may deliver uncomfortable truths rather than mere affirmations.

The Bible also states that the Lord will not do anything without revealing it to His servants, the prophets (Amos 3:7). Therefore, while it is essential to have prophets in your life, please understand true prophets are raised up by God, and it is God whom you should seek. God will provide a shepherd who aligns with His heart and will speak truth into your life.

The issue for many today is that they seek a prophetic word without seeking the One who gives the word. They connect with individuals/hirelings not after God’s heart but after their own gain, resulting in disappointment and disillusionment. Instead, focus on seeking God. As you do, He will provide a shepherd after His own heart who will lead you with wisdom and truth.

The prophetic ministry is undeniably important in our generation. However, it’s crucial to understand that seeking God should be your primary focus. It is God who will guide you to the right shepherd or prophet to speak into your life. The message here is not that the prophetic ministry is unnecessary, but that the ultimate goal is to seek God Himself. By seeking Him, He will direct the right individuals to provide the guidance and prophetic insights you need. Do not merely seek men; seek God.