How a Prophetic Word Saved a Life and Restored My Faith
Sidney, 23, North Carolina, USA
In 2018, I experienced the Holy Spirit through prophecy. That summer, I was a camp counselor at a program for high schoolers. When I first arrived, the Lord put John 10:27 on my heart: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” I prayed over it, but little did I know, God was about to use the verse in an incredible way.
That night, we had a special altar call for people struggling with suicidal thoughts and depression. A young guy walked up to the altar and when I saw him, the Lord tugged on me. He told me to tell him these words: “the nut and bolt have been put back together.” The words seemed so random, but I knew I had to do it.
I walked up to the altar and told him what I’d been told: “I feel like the Lord is saying He’s put the nut and bolt back together.” He got this funny look in his eyes and just broke down in tears. He later shared that the source of his suicidal thoughts was his father’s death. As it turns out, his dad was a car mechanic and as a child, he used to help him sort out the nuts and bolts. The grief had recently overwhelmed him, so he’d begun praying for a sign that his earthly father was with his heavenly Father. Clearly, the Lord heard him. By using me to answer that prayer, the Lord not only comforted this child in his grief — He also deepened my faith! And by His grace, the two of us are still in touch.
The moral of this story is simple: God is still speaking! He is speaking and moving all the time, if we can just slow down enough to hear Him. And when we hear Him, we gotta obey! It’s not easy… I often hesitate, but I’m so glad I didn’t hesitate for too long that day. God’s purpose in prophecy is clear: “But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.” (1 Corinthians 14:3). God accomplishes indescribable things through prophecy — so if He tells you to speak, speak. You just never know what the fruits of your obedience might be.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21)