Those who lead a family, a business, a congregation, or a movement of churches may need to hear a word that contradicts and confronts an accepted narrative that is leading those they serve in the wrong direction.

I once had a pastor tell me that all prophetic words need group approval before they are released. I thought that was an odd statement since Isaiah, Jeremiah, and all the other prophets spoke what God asked them to speak, at times under threat to their lives. 

They spoke prophetically without waiting for Israel’s approval. At times when some of these prophetic words were released, Israel was worshipping false gods and following paths of deception until a prophetic word challenged them and brought them back to God. 

The same holds true for Paul when he challenged issues within the Corinthian church. The other apostles did the same in their epistles. Prophecy can interrupt the course of our lives. Some words need to be spoken even when the recipients don’t appreciate what the Lord has to say.

None of this is a license for a rogue prophetic spirit to be released in the Church. Sometimes a developing prophetic gift may need faithful people who will help them find a different way to say the same thing, while the original content remains the same.  This can test a prophet’s character. If they pass these tests, the Lord will empower what they said with the anointing of the Spirit. 

Jesus said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand” (Mark 4:23). It’s the understanding part where people will evaluate whether a word is to be received or rejected. Some words, especially those that warn people who do not think they need to be warned, are where the conflict arises. 

Some words are hard to accept at the time of their delivery. When I have given those kinds of words, and they have been few and far between, I’ve had people distance themselves from me because they did not understand what the Lord was saying at the time.  Some prophetic words are like seeds planted out of season, waiting for a future time to bear their fruit. 

If God calls you to give such a word, you may have to process rejection and dismissal from those who do not yet understand. If it were the Lord who asked you to prophesy, you would have to trust Him when your word is maligned and rejected, and your reputation is on the line. That kind of trust has always been a measure of a true prophet.