Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 3/12/2010

Question
Hi Greg,

First, thank you for taking the time to read this Q! I hope it's not a silly one-

Many years ago, I was lead to a born-again church, immediately convicted to give my life to the Lord, and water baptised. Soon afterwards, a prophetic pastor was visiting that church and immediately called me up with a prophecy. God spoke words to me, (thankfully recorded! ) some of which being "I the Lord your God hath especially anointed you,......I have given you this, not so that you may be exalted in yourself, but so that you may exalt Me.... My daughter, you will feel a special anointing of love, and you will stand in the ways which I have shown you to stand, Thus saith the Lord"

Beautiful words, and I have listened to the recording every so often. A few years after, I fell away from that church and was alone for a long time.

God brought a wonderful man into my life and now I find myself married to a born again believer, attending church regularly. Although a 19 year age difference (!) we are striving to do the Lord's work.

I keep returning to that prophecy and wonder...someone had told me long ago that if I didn't use gifts that God gave me, I'd lose them. Making me think maybe this prophesy is "no longer valid" for this season of my life.

In your opinion, does that happen? Do prophesies "expire" so to speak if not acted upon? I am conflicted by what I was told years ago. I no longer attend that church (pentecostal), but the new church I go to is also pentecostal, but an AG. An elder there had basically said "use your gifts--or else!--this will not come to pass". I honestly was scared to do anything, and eventually fell away from that church.

I have always loved music, and have always wanted to pursue it. When I originally heard those words, that's what I thought the anointing may have been about. I love to sing/write music, but have been PAINFULLY shy, always afraid of not being good enough. Life went on and I dabbled here and there with music, but nothing solid.

I really still feel that music is some kind of calling in my life. And my husband is a drummer (not practicing now though). We were told by our pastor that he feels that God's favor is upon us, and that we will do something together.

Do you have any thoughts on this? We do pray for direction, and it may be that now is not the time for somethig to pop up, musically.

Just wanted to hear what your thoughts are on all of this.

Again, thank you sincerely for your time,
Sherry

Answer
Sherry,

Thank you for your questions and the opportunity to help.

You asked if "Do prophesies "expire" so to speak if not acted upon?" I would say no, they do not. The Bible teaches us that when God speaks a word to us, or gives us a calling, He does not change His mind about what He has spoken over us.

Romans 11:29 KJV
For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

However, God also gives us free will and the right to choose wether to to obedient to that calling or not. It may be difficult to comprehend but as Christians we must understand that God is sovereign, and yet at the same time He has given us freedom of choice. If we do not act upon the callings He has placed upon our lives we may be blessed, happy, and still walk in Gods favor. But we will have missed the true intent of all the Lord has called us to do, and to be.

As to the feelings you have toward music, I would encourage you to pursue this direction if it is your passion, and it is what you are sensing the Spirit leading you into. As you do, be patient and understand that God is the one who is calling you, and not someone else or your own desires. The opportunities may not open for you to minister in music all at once. God has a way of leading us in such a way that we can get impatient. Don't get ahead of God! Follow Him, and rest assured that He will make your gift and your calling sure.

Proverbs 18:16 KJV
A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

Sherry, please let me know if this helps or if you have any further questions.

Elder Greg Madden