the Gift of prophecy: “Visionary”

“If your give is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith” Romans 12:6

In the Greek, Propheteia. The concept is different than speaking as an oracle of God like the Old Testament prophets or the prophecy spoken of in 1 Corinthians 12. We know this because this gift is to be given “according to your faith.”  It’s not predicting the future; it’s knowing the purposes of God and having the faith to bring it into existence by sheer force of will.  

Visionaries see what’s possible and make it happen. They are outspoken, self confident, and competitive. A Visionary seems to have an endless amount of energy.  They are hard workers that are not afraid to put in long hours and make drive the team to do the same. They don’t avoid conflict and oftentimes view it as connection. It’s not uncommon for a Visionary to be surprised they were in an argument, thinking they were just having a conversation. Visionaries are challengers and are motivated especially to challenge that which they see is unjust. At their best, they use their gift to improve other people’s lives. You’ll find Visionaries leading companies or churches.  They are entrepreneurs and high producers in sales.  

In the Bible, Peter was a Visionary. He saw what was possible and was frustrated when the others could not. No one wondered what he was thinking because he said it. He was the disciple who walked on water and who lost his temper. He came across as cocky. “Even if all desert you I will not.”  Maybe that’s why Jesus chose to use a rooster as the reminder for Peter that he was blowing it. He was hard on himself.  After denying Jesus He disqualified himself from being a disciple and went back to fishing.  But Jesus saw in Peter the Visionary gift that would be needed to lead the early church. Peter was honest, aggressive, fearless, and yet had a soft underside that loved well.