Have you heard from God lately? Do you ever wonder if God really hears your prayers? Have you prayed and prayed for your deepest heartache with no apparent answer? Have years gone by with no change? There have been times in my life when I would ask these questions.
Recently, my sister and I headed to the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City for prayer and prophetic ministry. We were both excited and nervous. We didn’t know what to expect but we were certain we would have an awesome encounter with God.
I need to say a brief word regarding prophetic ministry. It is not an aspect of God’s gifting that I have had a lot of experience with through my Methodist roots. God cautions us to stay away from fortune tellers, however being gifted in the prophetic is very different.
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue[a] does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. (1 Corinthians 14:1-3 NIV).
Over the years I have slowly begun to embrace all aspects of God’s gifting. At IHOP they have a prophetic ministry built on this scripture to strengthen and encourage believers. So after hearing several friends share about their experiences, my sister and I made the 8 hour drive.
In the car, my sister and I had lots of time to catch up. She began telling me of how her heart breaks for her oldest son. Her desire is for him to know God. She told me that she continually prays that God will not take is hand off her children. This was clearly weighing heavy on her heart.
When we arrived at IHOP we entered the prayer room where they have been in prayer 24/7 since 1999. We were amazed at the music and the number of people praying. Eventually we were called into a small room to receive prayer and a word from God delivered by two gentlemen gifted in prophecy.
We gave them our names, and they began to pray and ask God to speak to them. The first gentleman began to share my sisters gifts which all seemed to be right on. Then the second gentleman rocked her world. Mine too.
Do you have a son? (Yes, two sons and a daughter.) Your oldest is a son? I feel like God is highlighting your prayers for him. I don’t know if he is saved or not but I feel like The Lord sees how you cry out for him. He wants to encourage you to keep asking The Lord, keep praying for him. The Lord is on it. We don’t see it but He’s there. He’s upon it. (These are the gentleman’s exact words-we recorded them.)
We both were puddles of tears. She received an incredible confirmation that God hears the cries of her heart and is moving even though she can’t see it.
God hears our prayers! He hears my cries. He hears your cries. He is continually acting on our behalf. When you start to doubt re-read the words He gave my sister and rest assured that He is moving on your behalf. Thank you God!
How has God answered your prayers? Leave it here and encourage others.