Kris Vallotton • Mar 20, 2020

How You Can Prophetically Protect and Comfort During Crisis

PROPHETIC PROTECTORS


Over the coming weeks, I’m expecting to see prophetic ministry rise to all-time high. This foreboding pandemic that’s glaring down on the globe, along with the fear of death and economic famine, is taunting every single one of us. If there was ever a time for Believers to rise up and prophetically minister, it’s now. Let me be clear, I’m not talking about declaring end-time doom and gloom over the planet; prophetic ministry inside of the new covenant protects and comforts , it’s not pronouncing judgment or declaring destruction. In fact, if you’re participating in that right now then I urge you to examine what spirit you’re listening to. Learn more about New Testament Prophets here.  

As a gift from the Spirit, the core fruit of prophetic ministry is edification, exhortation, and consolation (1 Corinthians 14:3) so it’s not all that surprising that the Holy Spirit is called the comforter (John 14:26). His nature is to educate and align your understanding with God’s, convict or strongly encourage you in God’s thoughts, and comfort and soothe you with God’s merciful perspective. With that being said, operating prophetically is a gift and it’s available to all Believers. 1 Corinthians 14 says that we should all “ earnestly desire the gifts, especially the gift of prophecy .” I’ll reiterate that it’s a gift, and it’s called a gift because it’s not about you, rather it’s for the people who need mercy, comfort, and protection during times of crippling doubt. 

One way we biblically see the prophetic used to protect is found in the relationship between Paul and Timothy. In 1 Timothy 1:18, Paul says, “ Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you , so that by them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and thereby shipwrecked their faith . ” 

What you may not know, but Paul did, was that Timothy struggled with frequent illness, and some even suggest that he battled with anxiety (1 Timothy 5:23, 2 Timothy 1:7). In true fatherly fashion, when Paul sent Timothy out to the Corinthians, Paul wrote to the church ahead of Tim’s arrival and said, “ when Timothy comes, don’t intimidate him (or make him afraid). He is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am ” (1 Corinthians 16:10).

Armed with authority given by God and gripping tight to the prophetic words spoken over Timothy, Paul protected Tim—by way of informing everyone in advance of who Tim was and by commanding (not suggesting) Timothy, who was entrusted with prophecies about his life, to use them to fight for himself! You must understand that Paul was facing perilous times himself. But when your faith is placed in the Almighty and when you are prophetically enlightened, you will protect those God has entrusted you with. 

PROPHETIC COMFORTERS


With prophetic wisdom, I believe Paul knew what he was doing when he gave Tim a stern “stop it, get up and fight” charge. But how many of you know there are times when people need empathy and a listening ear? Let me make this clear: when people are in need of empathy and you give them a command it’s not helpful, it’s actually painful.

The ability to listen from the heart is truly an undervalued part of the prophetic ministry. You may say that it’s not your personality to be particularly compassionate. I’d like to propose, it’s a gift of the Spirit, not your personality, that mends the brokenhearted, delivers the captives from fear, and heals the sick. As prophetic people, we earnestly need to listen to the Holy Spirit, not allow our personality to dictate direction. 

A great example of prophetic compassion during threatening times was when Nehemiah was harassed during the rebuilding of the walls (Nehemiah 4:13). With doom imminent, he armed and stationed men, called burden-bearers, in the lowest, most vulnerable parts of the wall. When he saw the fear that struck their faces, his response was faithfully and compassionately charged. He said, “ Do not be afraid of the enemies. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome. Fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes. ” 

It’s paramount that we bear the burdens of others. We need to stand in the low places with people and fight for them. I have no doubt there are people in your life right now who need comfort and to be reminded that God is with them. What I’m getting at is through faithful compassion, prophetically enlightened people will comfort and stand with others during vulnerable times.  

PROPHETIC BUILDERS


The ripple effect of this global pandemic is an opportune time for demonic adversaries to come into our land and accuse God of abandoning us in our time of need. They use disturbing reports from the news to build their case. So how do we respond to spiritual meanaces like these? The Lord says in Psalm 91, “ ...you’ll not fear the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the calamity that destroys at noon. Though a thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, no harm will come near you. ” One reality threatens destruction but by faith and through declaring what God has done and will do, liberation is found. 

In contrast, look at the sons of Ephraim (Psalm 78). They were equipped to win the battle, but they didn’t win. Why? Because They forgot what God had done, the wonders He had shown them. Instead of taking promised ground, they fearfully ran from the battle they were well equipped to win. 

As prophetic people, we not only protect and comfort those in need, but we build new realities in spite of uncertainty by first remembering the wonders God has done. 

Years ago when I was depressed and laying on the couch for six months , paralyzed by fear of every kind (death, financial crisis, etc.) God asked me to write down every miracle I had ever witnessed. For an hour and a half, I couldn’t think of one miracle. Finally, I remembered one...and then a second...and a third. By the time I got off the couch, I had remembered 64 miracles! It was like there was this invisible wall keeping me from remembering God’s faithfulness. But with each miracle that I wrote down, cracks formed in the wall of overshadowing doubt until it came crashing down. And that’s when my hope enlightened me that IF GOD DID IT ONCE, HE CAN DO IT AGAIN!  

FINAL THOUGHTS


I believe the Lord’s prophetic ministry is stronger than any weapon that could be formed against us. And I want to remind you that we aren’t fighting for ourselves. We are fighting for our children’s future. Our children don’t need to pay the price for our fear. So, let’s rise up, Believers. Let’s begin to remember and testify of what God is able and will do. 

Currently, we are wisely practicing social distancing because of the coronavirus, but in this digital age we are not distanced by any sense of the word. Pick up the phone. Shoot a text. Send an email. Let’s stand together in solidarity. Let’s bear this burden together.  

Also, check out last week’s blog, “ Are Facts or Fear Influencing Your Faith ” and strengthen your faith with a 40-day challenge.  


THE BLOG

Discover more blog posts

the sun is setting over the ocean with clouds in the sky
By Kris Vallotton 06 Feb, 2024
In early December, I began seeking a prophetic word from the Lord for 2024. He told me, "I am not going to give you a word for 2024. Instead, I am going to give you a word for the Body of Christ for a new era." He explained that January 2024 would be a half-time; marking the closure of an era and the beginning of a new one. This period would be characterized by immense transition, culminating in the discipling of nations. A supernatural metamorphosis, metaphorically akin to a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, would occur right before our eyes.
By Kris Vallotton 02 Jan, 2024
Have you ever found yourself in the midst of life's chaos, desperately needing a break, clarity, and a spiritual reset? Picture it like halftime – that pivotal moment when the coach steps in, recalibrates the team, and sparks a turnaround. The game isn't over; this is a chance to come back stronger and claim victory! In recent weeks, a resounding message has been echoing in my heart and mind: January is the Church's halftime! Our divine Coach is calling us to the huddle, to draw close, and let Him fine-tune our game plan – our values, thoughts, and behaviors. Amid the noise, He's inviting us to step away, knowing that leaning into these divine moments will catapult us into the second half, ready for victory. And in this game, we already know the final score – He wins!
A table with a video game controller resting on top with blue, red and orange lighting.
By Kris Vallotton 20 Dec, 2023
Gen Z, labeled as the seemingly lost generation to Christianity, and Gen Alpha, the digital natives immersed in screens, stand at the crossroads of an era defined by the rapid evolution of technology. As they navigate the evolving landscape of identity, both personal and global, a crucial question reverberates: "Has the Church lost this next generation?"
Show More

NEWSLETTER

Get free digital content from Kris with his weekly newsletter

 
Share by: