In my first year at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, we met in Revival groups of 60 students each week. We often practiced giving prophetic words, which I found fun and exhilarating, but also sometimes nerve wracking as you had to get a prophetic word for someone in front of the whole group!

One time, we arrived to find a table laid out with random objects; I guessed we would be using these as prompts to hear from God for someone in the group. Not a new activation for me, but I still felt a sense of apprehension – both wanting and at the same time not wanting to be picked!

After watching several fellow students give their words, my name was called. As I walked towards the table, a pair of tennis shoes loomed large in my vision – my focus was drawn towards them as if they were the only objects present. My confidence began to rise as it felt like I was halfway there. I knew what object to pick; now I just had to select a person and give the word!

As I held the tennis shoes, my Revival Group pastor asked me to choose whoever the Holy Spirit was highlighting. I stood and looked around until I felt God directing my attention towards a fellow student who had been wheelchair bound for eleven years with MS. The awful realization that I may have to prophesy over a paralyzed man with a pair of tennis shoes in my hand began to rise within me as I searched for someone else God might be highlighting. Finally, I knew what I needed to do and I began my slow walk towards the corner of the room where his wheelchair sat.

Thankfully, God knew what He was doing and what He wanted to say. My experience of God is that He never lets us down or leaves us stranded. He wanted to encourage my friend. So, after composing myself, I spoke a clear and encouraging word into the man’s identity that looked beyond his current condition.

I know that this experience took me to another level in the prophetic. Simply put, I grew in being someone who could follow God’s prompting more easily without worrying what people might think.

There are some important principles that we can glean from this story:

Firstly, we need to trust that we hear from God. His sheep hear His voice – if we’re following Jesus, we’re tuned in to what He’s saying.

Secondly, it is so important to gain the heart of God for whom you are prophesying over and speak from that place. I know that my heart was totally for my fellow student, and everything in me wanted the very best for him.

Thirdly, it’s not about you! It’s about God knowing what He is doing, even when you may not fully understand. We need to take the risk, step out in faith by following His lead, and expect Him to turn up. He always does!

By Haydon Murr