When Prophecy Seems To Fail

"He is a false prophet." I have heard those words leveled at men of God, accusing them of speaking false words when certain things they have said do not happen. This is dangerous ground on which to tread and come from a root of lack of understanding concerning words of prophecy and knowledge. It is a dangerous place to be, to accuse brethren of something you do not understand.

First of all, if you don't believe that Jesus speaks to us in this manner just leave it alone. Don't show your ignorance by speaking up on a matter you have yet to come to understand or believe. I suggest you study the Scriptures more and spend time in conversation with our Lord, asking him to teach you.

Second, understand that these men and women are not speaking on their own. The Spirit is using them to speaking encouragement and direction into people's lives. These instruments of Jesus have no invested interest in the people they pray over. They are not trying to manipulate. In the anointing they are given words or images to convey Jesus' heart to the people. Those who are mature in the Word understand immediately and the prayer is more a confirmation of what the Lord has already put on their heart. For the less mature, it simply seems like a mystery, a bit spooky, especially when it comes blanketed in a word of knowledge. But the servant does not own the words that come from the Spirit. He is only a vessel.

Third, understand the nature of such things. Whatever is spoken into your life is conditional. Everything with Yahweh is conditional, including the blessings. His love is not conditional, but the fruit of that love in your life is very much so. When a word is spoken into your life it is conveying Yahweh's perfect will but the fulfillment of these things is conditional to your love and obedience. Consider the word spoken over Israel through the prophet Isaiah. First the expressed desire of Yahweh:

“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)

Forgiveness is announced. That is always our Father's will, to forgive, allowing reconciliation and restoration of our relationship with him. He desires this over justice. Then the word spoken over the nation was his intention to bless them:

If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land. (v. 19)

But notice the conditions: willing and obedient. Are we to consider Isaiah a false prophet because of what ended up happening to the nation? Did Yahweh not also speak of the results of failing the conditions?

But if you refuse and rebel,
You shall be devoured by the sword. (v. 20)

Isn't it strange that Israel always made the wrong choice.

Another glaring example of prophecy being changed after spoken is the prophet Jonah. There are lots of examples but this one really stands out. Jonah had to go to Nineveh, an enemy city, to convey judgment. Later he said that the reason he resisted to go is because he knew Yahweh was capable of changing his mind. Many a person keeps their mouth shut for this same reason. They are worried about their reputation if what they have been given to speak does not unfold. Jonah spoke, delivering the message that the city would be destroyed due to their wickedness. The people took it to heart and the king called for repentance. They moved the heart of Yahweh who called off the judgment. Do we call Jonah a false prophet?

Such matters must be understood to be conditional, whether we are talking about words of blessings or words of correction. Disobedience or repentance can change everything. We must remember that above all things our Father desires a great relationship with us. Obedience keeps us in that place but he will change his intentions is we disobey so that he can bring in correction to get us back to where we need to be. You cannot blame the messenger if you force Father's hand in correction.

Remember, before you go accusing the servants of the Lord, that everything in your relationship with Jesus is conditional to your love and obedience. It may be Father's intention to bless you or use you but you can cause him to change to another course of action. Your desire, even above any blessing, position or reputation, must be to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul and with all your strength. A sweet obedience flows from such reckless love as does the fulfillment of Father's will in your life.