1 Timothy 1:18: Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well.

I’ve been aware of the weight of words all my life.

Born premature, I nearly died at birth. When I survived, the doctor branded me a “fighter.” There was power in that word because words are weighty.

As a young adult, I became a journalist. I love the media mountain. Think how much of our time is devoted to the news, and how much our conversations revolve around it. Think, too, what a difference God’s perspective on the news can make. Words are weighty.

Later, when I began to search for next steps in my own, I started paying close attention to prophetic words spoken over me. One word stands out in particular: “All of Heaven is poised to respond to your dreams, even if you’re not 100 percent sure of them.”

In a time of confusion and uncertainty, my heart leapt. You mean Heaven is paying attention to me personally and wants to respond to me?

That word was powerful because words are weighty. I decided to go the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry. Soon after I arrived, I was at a gathering when two incoming students I’d never spoken to came up to me and said, “I saw a picture of a calendar with scattered days marked off. Then I saw God marking off every day. God’s about to do something every day to encounter you . . . I saw utility drawers. You’ll be able to draw on your varied experiences to relate to people.” Immediately my hope and expectancy soared. I had no idea that you could do this prophetic stuff at barbecues, that God paid that close of attention, and that he really did want to use everything for good through me!

I didn’t venture into the “prophetic waters” for a while. Surely, it couldn’t be as easy as people made it out to be. Then people started telling me that my words had power and weight. Two words I received in my second year of school stand out. My pastor called me a “mountain of a man,” and my classmate called me a “genius.” Those little words were incredibly activating. I stood taller, and rarely again did I doubt I had something worthwhile to say.

What’s the point of all this? Mainly this, 1Timothy 1:18 has become more and more relevant in my life. I’d recommend you take another look at it to see how you can apply it to your life. If you have a tendency, as I did, to shy away from speaking up prophetically or otherwise, there’s a good chance that people are missing out on substantial power and wisdom through your words. Speak up! Find some friends to practice with. Start with words of encouragement and let Holy Spirit take it from there!

By Sam Miller