“Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). That verse makes a religious spirit nervous. It also makes those under the influence of a religious spirit nervous because the prepared narrative they have been taught to believe will be dismantled in the light of revelation.

These are uncertain times. Prophets are speaking. These prophets come in all shapes, sizes, and sounds. They reflect the diversity of God’s unique creation. To believers under the influence of a religious spirit, these voices can sound suspect. The message of these prophets can be dismissed out of hand if their style or form of delivery is considered offensive or unfamiliar. It can also be dismissed simply because it does not line up with a shared understanding of spiritual reality within their circle of fellowship.

If we want to know what is unfolding locally, nationally, or globally, we must listen to God’s prophets. This is not a personality contest or an experience similar to entering a restaurant and choosing what we want to eat. It is a choice to listen to prophetic messages we might not care to hear. 

Our favorite preacher or preferred news commentator cannot provide such insight. That is in the realm and ministry of God’s prophets. If we are willing to listen to them, God will reveal His plans to us, and, as a result, our faith will remain intact in the face of obstacles that would have overwhelmed us had we remained uninformed.