“God Told Me”: A Warning About the Misuse of Prophecy and Listening Prayer

In many charismatic circles today, it has become almost casual to hear someone say, “God told me…” or “I sensed God saying…” These words carry incredible weight. After all, if God truly spoke, who would dare question it? But herein lies the problem. When someone speaks “in the name of God,” they are claiming divine authority—and with that comes serious responsibility.

The Bible warns us about this very thing.

A Warning from Jeremiah

Jeremiah 23 is a sobering chapter that speaks directly to this issue. God rebukes the false prophets in Jeremiah’s day, saying:

“Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:16)

These were not Satanic visions. They weren’t foreign religion. They were simply self-generated—springing from their own hearts, imaginations, or desires—and then falsely labeled as the word of the Lord. And God doesn’t take this lightly. He goes on to say:

“I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied.” (v. 21)
“They prophesy the deceit of their own heart.” (v. 26)

This wasn’t just a sincere mistake—it was spiritual deception, and it misled an entire nation.

We need to hear this warning today.

The Modern Problem

In many churches, particularly charismatic ones, people are taught to equate subjective impressions with the voice of God. A passing thought, a feeling, a picture in prayer—it’s all elevated to the status of prophecy. Some soften it by saying, “I think I heard God,” or “I’m sensing this… I could be wrong.” That’s more humble, but the effect can still be damaging, especially when these impressions are used to pressure others to follow a certain path.

It becomes even more dangerous when multiple leaders say, “God told us…” and use that as justification for major decisions—relationally, spiritually, or organizationally. Just because a group of people agree they heard the same thing doesn't mean it came from God. The human heart is deceptive. Groupthink is real. Emotional manipulation is real.

This Is Spiritual Abuse

When people use “God said” to control others, they are misusing spiritual authority. This isn’t just unhealthy—it’s spiritually abusive. It bypasses healthy discussion, ignores Scripture, and creates fear or shame for those who dare to disagree. And it’s not just leaders who do this. Everyday Christians—often sincerely—tell friends what they think God is saying for them. But if it’s not truly from God, it’s a lie cloaked in spiritual language.

Sometimes, a person’s desire to be helpful or encouraging leads them to speak words they believe are prophetic—but if those words are wrong, it can cause deep confusion, false hope, or misguided decisions.

Yes, God Speaks—But Be Careful

Let me be clear: God does speak. He speaks through His Word, by His Spirit, and sometimes through dreams, impressions, and other means. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice” (John 10:27). It’s a beautiful part of walking with Him.

But there’s a difference between listening to God for yourself and claiming to speak for Him to others.

If you journal your prayers, wonderful. If you believe God spoke something to your heart, treasure it. Test it. Submit it to Scripture and wise counsel. But don’t use your journal to steer someone else’s life. Don’t claim divine insight into someone’s decisions unless it is absolutely clear, confirmed by the Word, and expressed with great humility.

And if you’re on the receiving end of someone’s “word from God,” don’t be star-struck. Don’t assume it’s true just because it came from a spiritual person or respected leader. Test it. Discern it. Use your Bible.

A Call for Discernment

1 Thessalonians 5:20–21 says:

“Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.”

That’s the balance. Don’t throw out prophecy altogether—but test it. God’s Word is the standard. The character of Christ is the lens. If a “word” contradicts Scripture, manipulates people, or flatters egos, it’s not from God.

We need less sensationalism and more sobriety. Less “God told me…” and more humble listening. Less reliance on impressions and more anchoring in Scripture.

God’s voice is real, and it is precious. But we must handle it with reverence. Claiming to speak for God is not a game. When you say, “God said,” you are stepping onto holy ground. Speak with care—or don’t speak at all.

Rooted in Jesus Grace,

Mara Wellspring