Like so many of us, I’ve long admired Randy Clark. Perhaps it’s not for the reason you think, however. The signs and wonders that follow his ministry are miraculous, but the primary reason I am encouraged by him is his simple faith and candor. He freely admits that it really is not by might nor power, but by God’s spirit. Or as 1 Cor. 1:27 says, “God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.”
I’ve heard Randy share on multiple occasions how he never thought of himself as prophetic until people pointed to his prayers. You may have thought you were “just praying,” but there is no other way you could have known this without the Holy Spirit, they concluded.
I can relate. Before I enrolled in the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM), I had never knowingly prophesied. Periodically I’d have people tell me that my prayers for them and the timing were uncanny, but I didn’t think much of it.
Previously, I attended churches that believed in the gifts but only demonstrated them to a limited degree. The best examples I had for the prophetic were the handful of people I always saw up in the front of the church prophesying corporately or ministering after the service. I still wasn’t sure what the prophetic was. I simply knew that when these people prayed for me, their prayers felt specific and weightier.
During first year at BSSM, when it seemed like everyone was prophesying, I rarely opened my mouth. Again, I knew I needed to receive these words that were filled with so much spirit and life, but I figured I better stick to my strong suit of prayer. That I knew I could do.
Ultimately, it took some convincing for Randy Clark to believe he was prophetic. It’s taken some time for me to believe that too. Fortunately, though not on the same level, we both have plenty of testimonies that are indisputable now. I’ve come to believe that I can be used too, not in spite of myself but because of Him in me. Here are three lessons I’ve learned from Randy’s example of prophetic intercession:
- Be you – Randy makes no pretense. He is a simple man, with simple faith, who takes God at his word that His power is made perfect in our weakness. He doesn’t try to be anyone else.
- You have to decide to do it and step out – Sometimes Randy admits he doesn’t have much faith, if any at all. Like the apostle Peter, he knows he has to step out of the boat, because it’s then that he hears God’s voice and sees from a different perspective.
- God will use you in spite of your failures – Randy doesn’t have a perfect past. He’s made mistakes and messes but knows that he who is forgiven much loves much. (Luke 7:47)
Remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. God didn’t make mistakes when He created you, nor did He leave you deficient. May God bless you as you explore afresh the gift and the unique expression of prophetic intercession that He has given you.
By Sam Miller
blog.bethelprophetic.com 
January 22, 2017 at 11:27 am
But how does one know in an atmosphere where it’s not taught are barely manifested. I am so confused. I don’t know if it’s words of knowledge, feeling empathy or what.
I want t I pull up stakes to go to school there so to learn. But don’t want to follow a “fools dream.”
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January 24, 2017 at 7:06 am
Hi Donna,
Thanks for the question. I too have had that question. I know I don’t have all the answers I’d like, but here are a couple thoughts.
Just because you are in an environment where the prophetic is not prevalent doesn’t mean you can’t exercise the gift. Speaking of exercising, like building muscles, chances are the more you use it, the stronger you’ll get at it. Ask for feedback, so you can monitor your growth. Of course, it never hurts to have a conversation with your pastor to avoid lone ranger suspicions.
Ben Armstrong and Kris V. frequently say this – if all you do is encourage someone, like 1 Cor. 12-14 say, you are doing pretty well.
Have some fun with it! Hope this helps!
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January 24, 2017 at 6:33 pm
Yes it does. I share what I feel and will be more careful to get feedback and speak with my Pastor.
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January 24, 2017 at 2:51 pm
An interesting premise. What exactly is meant here by prophecy? I myself have heard many prophecies, and it seems to me that they are vague enough that they will eventually come true, but not detailed enough that they can be refuted. For example, one of the classics is “you will go through a hard time in the future”. Everyone goes through hard times. Especially those of faith. So it will come true, but lacks any sort of detail, so it won’t be refuted. Biblical prophecy is really very different, so I will wait curiously for you response.
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January 29, 2017 at 6:48 am
Thanks for your question. I agree with your observation that much of what is called “prophecy” are actually “encouraging words.” My understanding of “prophecy” is that it is either foretelling or forthtelling. It’s information that someone could only get from the Holy Spirit. Ideally, encouraging words should be labeled as encouraging words and prophecy as prophecy. Both are valuable. I think, perhaps, where it gets a little unclear, is when someone is genuinely unsure whether or not the knowledge or impression they have is from their own perception or from the Holy Spirit. For one, thing we do have the mind of Christ, after all. Ultimately, in my opinion, it comes back to a positioning of the heart. Whether it’s an encouraging word or prophecy, it’s hard to go wrong, I think, when one operates with love and care. Hope that helps.
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March 31, 2017 at 12:16 pm
Good blog. For those struggling to get clear words, I recommend asking God to show you what judgments you are holding against the people you are praying for. He will show you and when you renounce them your ability to receive visions & words for that person will be greatly increased. God Bless!
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