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Before this, in 2009, my Pastor told me without hesitation, “You hear from God.” Then in August 2015, after preaching for over a year and without ever asking, I was licensed as a Minister because my leaders simply obeyed what God told them. I had to submit, even while I was still running. Once I accepted that step, the doors opened. I was preaching, here in the Bay, Sacramento, Fresno, Las Vegas and LA, declaring the Word… but truth be told, I still had some “run” in me. Why? Because I’d seen the prophetic call mishandled, the office dishonored, and people wounded by misrepresentation. I wanted no part of that. But God. It was the dream He gave that shifted everything, my heart, my mind, and my resistance. That dream was the turning point that led to a slow, but surrendered “yes.”
In June 2022, Bishop Diane Robinson confirmed what I could no longer deny. And in October of that year, my husband and I were ordained by Bishops Peter and Diane Robinson of Liberty Church International, he as Minister of Music, and me as Prophetess Ceola. It hasn’t been easy. Years after my “yes,” God continues to teach me what prophetic obedience truly looks like. I am forever learning with Father God and I welcome every lesson.
When God Speaks, It Doesn’t Return Void
When God speaks, His Word never falls to the ground without purpose. We see this with Samuel, who the Bible says “let none of his words fall to the ground” (1 Samuel 3:19). God honored his obedience, and every word spoken in alignment with heaven came to pass.
But not all words are received. Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," was given message after message for the people of Judah, most of which they rejected. Yet the consequences didn’t fall on him, but on those who refused to obey (Jeremiah 7, Jeremiah 25).
Can we be honest? One person’s rejection of God’s Word can ripple into the lives of many. That’s why, when God says “Speak,” we can’t afford to second-guess. When He says “Go,” we must move. Delayed obedience can affect destiny, not just ours, but others connected to us.
Prophetic Pressure Is Real
- Ask Ezekiel what it feels like to carry a strange word. In Ezekiel 4, God told him to lie on his side for hundreds of days, cook food over cow dung, and prophesy in unusual ways with little clarity or understanding. No explanation. No "why." Just obedience.
- Also, look at Habakkuk, who stood watch for a vision and was told, "Though it tarries, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay." (Habakkuk 2:3).
Sometimes, prophetic words feel heavy because what God reveals takes time to manifest. The weight of waiting can feel like pressure, especially when others are watching, expecting, questioning. But listen, even in the waiting, God keeps His prophets encouraged, covered, and grounded. If He gave the word, He will fulfill it. Our role is obedience, not explanation. Speak the word, release it, and trust God with the timing, revelation, and outcome. Why?
- Because timing belongs to the Lord.
- We are not responsible for the "when."
- We are only responsible for the "yes."
Prophetic Wisdom: Key Lessons I'm Learning
- Obedience over outcome - If He says it, speak it.
- Prayer is essential - You don't just release the word and walk away. You intercede.
- Don't add, don't take away - Trust that God said exactly what needed to be said.
- Wait on the Lord - Some words are for now. Some are for later. Some are for us to carry in prayer until He says otherwise.
- Rejection of a word doesn’t mean you missed God - Sometimes the issue isn’t the vessel—it’s the hearer.
Scriptures to Meditate On
- Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5)
- Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7)
- You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you. (Jeremiah 1:7–8)
- Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. (Jeremiah 23:28)
- The one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging, and comfort. (1 Corinthians 14:3)
This Week’s Challenge:
- Say “Yes” Again - Whether you’ve said it before or not, say yes with a fresh level of obedience.
- Pray Over the Words You're Given - Cover them in prayer. Heaven moves when prophets pray.
- Stop Comparing Yourself - God doesn’t need your résumé. He needs your “yes.”
My Encouragement for You:
Beloved, if God called you, that’s all the confirmation you need. Whether it came through dreams, divine words, or your own trembling obedience, know this: you were chosen. Not because you’re perfect, but because you’re willing. You don’t have to sound like them, look like them, or operate like them. You just have to say YES, again and again. -Prophetess Ceola J.
Your Assignment This Week:
Revisit Past Words – Are there any you’ve buried or dismissed? Pray over them.
Speak What God Says. Nothing More, Nothing Less
Encourage Another Prophetic Voice. Remind them their voice matters.
My Dear Sister in Christ, your voice is not your own. It is God’s sound through you. Don’t silence what heaven has chosen to speak through. Speak boldly. Walk humbly. And obey fully.
With great love,
Propehtess Ceola J.
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