Five Things We Will Learn
- Why so many believers today are disheartened despite a flood of prophetic words.
- What God says in Scripture about false prophets who mislead His people.
- How to discern between a true and false prophetic word.
- Why genuine accountability and humility are essential in prophetic ministry.
- How to return from discouragement to confidence, joy, and determination in God.
The Search for the Next Prophetic Word
Today, many people are “searching” for the next prophetic word. They are sharing prophetic words that “popped up” on their carefully programmed—by people held captive by darkness—news feeds, on their social media, or through media that appears in their search engines and online experiences.
One might think, without any knowledge of the Word of God, that all these prophecies would encourage God’s people and give them more determination and confidence. Yet we are seeing the opposite take place. What is going on? Why would all these prophecies, too many to count, not encourage God’s people? Why are so many of God’s people disheartened?
What It Means to Be Disheartened
Disheartened is defined as “to cause someone to lose determination or confidence.” How could this be, with so much “prophecy”? Isn’t prophecy meant to build up, encourage, edify, or turn someone toward the righteous way? With so much prophecy, why are so many people losing heart?
“You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?…You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the One who calls you.”
— Galatians 3:1; 5:7–8
I am watching the lights of those who once walked close to the Lord—those with the brightest countenance, great determination, and confidence in God—flicker as if they could easily be extinguished. I see them walking around in a haze. Those who once walked with great boldness and confidence now hide from those they once stood boldly before.
Depression has become part of their daily lives. I see those who once listened to and believed God’s true authority now treat those words as suggestions—while at the same time searching for the next “prophetic word” from someone they don’t know or whose fruit they’ve never seen.
Many are walking around in a fog of despondency—gloom, sadness, misery, hopelessness—while sharing the latest prophetic word they’ve found or heard.
From Disheartened to Encouraged
What if I could tell you something that would shift you from being disheartened to encouraged? From lost determination and confidence to intense determination and confidence in the Lord? Would you be interested?
If not, do not read on. If yes—keep reading.
God’s Warning Against False Prophets
When we look into Scripture, we find the answer:
“You disheartened the righteous with your lies [false prophecies, visions, and words], when I had brought them no grief, and because you encouraged the wicked not to turn from their evil ways and so save their lives, therefore you will no longer see false visions or practice divination. I will save my people from your hands. And then you will know that I am the Lord.”
— Ezekiel 13:22–23
Not everyone who proclaims themselves a prophet truly is one. Jesus tells us that many will come to Him on the day of judgment claiming to be His prophets—when they are not.
If they would look Jesus in the face and tell Him they are His prophets when they are not, why would you think a false prophet would hesitate to say the same to you? (Matthew 7:22)
Understanding True and False Prophecy
A person claiming to be a prophet claims to hear and see what God is saying and to speak those things to others. People who prophesy (but are not prophets) can also falsely prophesy and not be of God—just as some “prophets” are not of God.
Satan has prophets—called prophets of Baal—and God has prophets. One leads people astray; the other leads them to God. One speaks lies from the “father of lies,” while the other speaks truth from the Father of Truth—God Himself.
Your eternity can depend on knowing the difference.
Testing the Spirit and the Fruit
One way to tell if a word is from God and meant for you is if it draws you closer to Him, turns you from sin, and leads you toward holiness, determination, and confidence in God.
A word not from God might sound good—it may praise you, affirm your situation, or promise success—but if it leaves you disheartened, without determination or confidence, it is not from Him.
God’s words always lead toward Himself. He loves you and knows your destiny depends on your willingness to follow Jesus’ lordship in your life.
Hell is real. God is aware of it and desires that no one perish. He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but longs for repentance and restored relationship with Him.
God’s View of False Prophets
Ezekiel 13 reveals how seriously God views those who say, “Thus says the Lord,” when He never said such a thing. It does not go well for those who practice such spiritual witchcraft. God sees the harm they cause—captivating people with their words and locking them into rebellion.
Pray that the Lord frees you and others from any false prophetic words that have led you astray—so that He may restore your joy, love, and confidence in Him.
Cain’s Example: The Heart of the Problem
Cain was downcast not because of outside influence but because of sin in his heart. God’s word to him was clear: repent from hatred and resentment, love and honor your brother, and joy will return.
False prophets keep people like Cain trapped in their sin. They say, “You’re fine. God understands. It’s all under the blood.” They speak “for God” when God said no such thing. These words keep modern-day Cains in bondage, flattering them while leading them toward destruction.
God’s Response to False Prophets
God sees what false prophets do—and He will free His people from their snares. He will lead them to repentance and a genuine abiding relationship with Him. Those who practice false prophecy will be uncovered.
The lies they spun from their souls to manipulate others will be exposed. They spoke from their own minds and expected those words to come to pass—delusional and demonic.
Seek God, Not a Word
It’s time for God’s people to stop searching for words and start searching for God.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
— Jeremiah 29:13
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
— John 10:27
Wake up to the devastating effects of false prophecy. Stop looking for words that make you feel good but leave you disheartened. Stop “shopping” for prophecies like groceries from one market to another. Whoever does that doesn’t have a prophecy—they have a graven image.
True prophecy draws you closer to God, away from sin, and toward lasting confidence and determination in Him.
Marks of a True Prophet
- Loves God and loves His people
- Lives and speaks in the fear of the Lord
- Prophesies from obedience, not for gain
- Seeks favor with God, not man
- Speaks truth to save lives, not to flatter (Ezekiel 33:1–11)
- Clearly distinguishes between God’s words and their own (1 Corinthians 7:12)
- Works for the repentance and restoration of others
- Speaks only as led by the Holy Spirit
- Rejoices when people walk rightly with the Lord
Marks of a False Prophet
- Disheartens the righteous, causing them to lose confidence and determination
- Makes people comfortable in sin
- Speaks from their own mind and imagination
- Lays traps and nets for others
- Truly believes their own words will come to pass (Matthew 7:22)
- Fails to fear God’s judgment (Revelation 2:20–23)
“Then all the churches will know that I am He who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.”
Jesus did not say we would know them by their words—but by their fruit.
If you don’t know their fruit, you don’t know them—and you cannot trust their word. “Watch out for false prophets,” Jesus warned. “They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:15–16)
Accountability Within the Body
Within every church body, there should be those recognized for their proven character and fruit—men and women who walk in humility, integrity, and the fear of the Lord. True prophets and prophetic voices among God’s people must be tested, not by popularity or platform, but by fruit, faithfulness, and submission to God’s Word.
Those who share prophetic words should do so with fear and trembling before God, understanding the weight of speaking on His behalf. They should welcome correction when necessary and be willing to acknowledge when something spoken was not of the Lord. This posture of humility protects both the messenger and the people of God, keeping the Church grounded in truth and guarded from deception.
Returning to Confidence and Determination in God
It’s time to regain your confidence in the Lord and your determination in Him. Break free from the demonic fog of despondency. Return to the Lord. Place yourself once again under God’s authority and listen to His voice through those He has established in your life.
Repent from despondency and return to joy, happiness, and the pleasure of abiding with Him.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
— Jeremiah 29:11–13
Even this promise was given in a time of exile—a period of discipline because of sin. God promised restoration seventy years later to the day. His promises are sure, but they come through repentance and returning to Him.
Return to Your First Love
Choose no longer to follow what has disheartened you. Return to the joy of the Lord. The Father will welcome you back just as He welcomed the prodigal son—with open arms.
“You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.”
— Revelation 2:4–5
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ encircle you, and may His voice lead you as you abide with Him.