Partnering With God’s Prophetic Word and Assignment

Imagine that someone very close to you receives a prophetic word which also impacts you and requires your participation. Not only do you have to trust that the person received and heard the word correctly, you also must decide to align with the word over your life.

How would you respond? Would you demand the Lord give you the word individually, easily align with the word, question the individual, ask for a sign or ask God the next question?

Most of you are familiar with the story of Samson (Judg. 13-16). However, few take time to study his parents and their response to their God-assignment. Manoah’s wife was unable to conceive a child; however, she gets a surprise visit from the angel of the Lord, who tells her that her life is about to change, and a child will shortly be on the way. Along with this information, the angel of the Lord gives her specific instructions as to how she is to handle the pregnancy, the child’s dedication and the child’s assignment.

Manoah was not present for this encounter, so he heard about it from his wife. At that moment, he must decide if he believes what she has seen and heard. I love Manoah’s heart as he asked the Lord to let the man of God come back again and give further instructions. He did not ask for confirmation. He asked for further instructions.

“Manoah” means “rest.” He was a man who knew how to rest, and he was a man who was being asked to raise a warrior. We know he recognized this messenger was from the Lord because his first response was to pray. However, what is behind the response is the desire for wisdom.

Furthermore, when the angel of the Lord comes back, he again comes to Manoah’s wife. Can you imagine Manoah’s wife saying to the angel of the Lord, “Wait here; my husband is the one who prayed for you to return. Let me get him”? She runs off to find her husband, and they dash back, hoping that the angel of the Lord is still there.

Manoah’s example should challenge every one of us. When God gives the word that involves us, are we asking for wisdom? Are we that serious about partnering with God so that the word will come to pass; even if our job is to make way for the word to be fulfilled in another’s life?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me have the sensitivity to Your Word, Your will and Your ways that Manoah had. Teach me to ask the next question so that I can partner with what You are doing. Please help me see the bigger picture so I perceive it from a kingdom perspective rather than an earthly perspective. Give me the wisdom and courage to prepare the future generation for their God-given assignment. In Jesus’ name, Amen. {eoa}

Ruth Hendrickson is an ordained pastor, itinerant speaker, ministry trainer and board-certified biblical counselor who has extensive experience in the development, training and oversight of emotional healing ministry teams, recovery ministries, prophetic ministry, prayer ministries and women’s ministry. In addition, she is a course facilitator for Patricia King Institute and Charisma courses. She writes for Elijah List and Charisma and has a podcast titled Real Truth with Ruth. Through biblically based teachings and practical applications infused with love and laughter, her goal is to introduce people not only to the living God who saves, but also to the God who desires an intimate relationship with each one of us. Her books Positioned – How to be Aligned & Empowered to Walk in Your Diving Destiny and Everyday Prophetic will help you grow in your walk with God. Please visit Ruthhendrickson.com and connect with Ruth on Facebook at facebook.com/RuthHendrickson.org/ and on YouTube at youtube.com/user/RuthHendrickson.