May grace and peace be manifested abundantly in your life.
Elizabeth, thanks for contacting me with your question.
I appreciate the seriousness of your question, and I'll answer that question after I say this. It seems to be a bit of humor between me and the Lord when someone asks me, what I'm sure to them is a simple question, and yet my answer isn't as simple and direct. So, please hang in here with me.
To answer your question, "simply" ... the answer would be "yes."
To answer your question more "completely" ... will take a bit more than a "yes." Please allow me to explain.
There are those who accept personal prophetic ministry, and those who do not. Obviously, I do accept it.
To those who do not accept it, the Lord "rarely" (not "never") directs a word to them. Just as Jesus could do no mighty work in Nazareth because of their unbelief, a word to the scoffer would be rejected.
To those who DO accept personal prophetic ministry there needs to be better understanding. God moves through each of His "vessels" uniquely. Just as the example of the difference between the foot and the hand in the body. Both are necessary. They are still, both, part of the body. Now in a bit different scenario that helps me personally understand how God uses each person uniquely is forks, spoons, and knives. Personally, I have a rough time using a spoon for what forks and knives are used for. Then to break it down even more, it's difficult to use a butter knife the same way you'd use a steak knife.
Now, let's understand that each individual in the body of Christ is unique. There's not another on the planet, exactly like me, and not another exactly like you. He'll use you one way, and me another.
To get back to your question, those who are utilized by the Lord in the personal prophetic ministry are unique. Each have varying styles and personalities, which simply reveals the creativity of the Lord.
As I equip and empower those the Lord sends my way, I in no way desire a clone. If they are a clone of me, then the work in them is not of the Lord. They must learn to go beyond me, and be moved by His Spirit. It is my responsibility to help them, and nurture them in the ways of the Lord, not in the ways of "me." I understand that they are unique and valuable to the Lord and to the body of Christ. Now they will definitely have my impression upon them, that's why the Lord sent them to me, because He wants the impression He's given me to be upon them ... otherwise, He would have sent them to another prophet for molding.
I say this in hopes of equipping you to be prepared for what the Lord has in store for you.
Always remember, a prophetic word is for exhortation, edification, and comfort. When a prophet brings you a word from the Lord, he will not bring fear. The word He gives you will not discourage you, it will encourage you. It will not be for condemnation, it will be for building you up. It will not bring you discomfort, it will bring you comfort.
I tell people who thinks God uses fear to motivate us ... that's simply not true. I've had someone tell me, "Well, if there is a serial killer in your house waiting for you, fear will keep you out of the house." Nonsense, we're told that God didn't give us a spirit of fear. Fear involves the flesh. We are not carnal. We are to be moved by His Spirit and His Word. I tell people that if there's a serial killer awaiting me in my house, God will simply tell me to go do something else. OR, if He tells me there is a serial killer in my house, He'll say it in such a way that it will not bring fear but comfort, and a solution for victory.
One last thing, NOTE ... we seldom (I didn't say never) are to seek a prophetic word. Let me emphasize again that I did NOT say that we are NEVER to seek ... what I said was that we are to seldom seek a prophetic word. Our leading and inspiration comes from the Holy Spirit. We're clearly told in Romans 8:14 that all who are led by the Spirit of God, are the sons of God. It does NOT say those who are led by prophets. Again, keep in mind, I am a prophet of God, but you are to be led by the Spirit of God, not by me. It is my responsibility to teach you to hear HIS voice. It is important that you are able to hear HIM, even when I am not, or another prophet is not, around.
As we are seeking the Lord, praying, and asking for guidance, He will send those to speak prophetically into our life. As a prophet, I am to equip you for the work He has called you to, and one of the most important ingredients in that equipping is teaching and showing you how to hear directly from the Holy Spirit. I've seen too many who have been called to the prophetic, who have become too puffed up in thinking everyone needs them. Instead they should be thinking that everyone needs the Lord, and understand that they are simply a tool (like a hammer, or sandpaper) which the Lord is utilizing to shape someone's life ... always remembering ... to God be all the glory, honor, and praise!
Finally, you were probably not expecting such a lengthy response. Had you inquired with someone else, you would have received a different response, because of how the Lord equips us individually. He led you to my website, and led you to ask me the question. This is the response you received. I don't believe it was by accident. God desires for you to have a deep and passionate heart to heart walk with Him. He doesn't want it to be superficial, He desires for it to have a strong root and strong foundation. He doesn't want you to have a life of quick fixes, He desires for you to be a vessel who is strong and healthy, and able to train up and equip others, to train up and equip others, to train up and equip other ... I hope you get the picture. He didn't make a mistake in molding you. You are unique! He didn't call you for your imitation of someone else, He called and equipped you for HIS purpose. He didn't create a purpose for you, He created YOU for a purpose. There's a difference. Be strong, be courageous, and be bold to be who God created YOU to be.
I hope this answers your question. If you have any others, or desire clarity on anything here, please let me know.
