Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well.

1 Timothy 1:18, New International Version

Knowing the spiritual warfare that Timothy will encounter, the Apostle Paul encouraged him to actively remember the prophecies that had previously been made about him so that he can stand strong against the devil's attacks and walk in victory.

The Apostle Paul clearly grasped the power and impact of prophetic words. What the Lord spoke to him during his conversion and thereafter affected his life and mission. Those prophetic words always came at the perfect time, and Paul experienced so many miraculous breakthroughs and deliverances during his trials and sufferings because he was completely convinced that God will fulfil the promise of His Word through the power of His Spirit.

Receiving personal prophecy is a good thing. However, avoid the bad habit of chasing after prophecies and prophetic ministries. This type of behaviour does not foster trust and confidence. If you don't change this behaviour, you'll end up on a "shopping spree” for a prophetic word for every situation.

A personal prophetic word must be confirmed by the whole counsel of God’s Word, particularly the person God created you to be in Christ. As a result, no prophecy you receive should contradict the gospel. This is the litmus test of true prophecy. This is why Paul reminded Timothy about the wonderful effects of "gospel-based" prophetic words that strengthen faith, courage and victory in the midst of difficulty and hardship.

Keep reminding yourself of a prophetic word that bears witness with your spirit if you ever receive one. Consider it a postcard from heaven, God's way of saying he "remembers" you. But don't become so obsessed with it that you forsake the Word and prayer and live an aberrant, imbalanced Christian life. Walking with the Lord is your best protection against sin and presumption.