When "what the heck?" happens

What happens when you listen to God and he tells you to do something that scares you half to death? What if after obeying, it looks for all the world like you misheard? Do you pack up and go home to the comfortable, controllable Christianity you’ve always known? Do you leave before someone gets hurt?

                Two weeks ago, I had a blood-rushing, body-trembling experience that felt like a direct message from the Lord. Trouble is… It was a message of judgment… for someone I had never met. A change was required, a deadline set, and divine judgment threatened. I sweated and struggled with it for a long time. Was it biblical? Was it feasible? Dare I speak this judgment in God’s name? Dare I not? How could I deliver such an ominous message in a non-threatening spirit of humility and love? Finally, I made the call, left a message, and waited all day for the police to show up.

 Two days ago, this guy emailed me back. While respecting my sensitivity, he gave me three reasons for rejecting my message.  I responded and apologized for any harm done. It looks like I was wrong. Maybe I was. I never pretended to be a prophet, just another guy trying to be obedient. But does my “obedience” make more trouble than it’s worth?

Did the Old Testament prophets who “prophesied delusions” actually know that they were deluded? Or did they truly think they were hearing from the Lord? What was the difference between them and real prophets? Would God allow me to make such a monumental error? So the word of the day is, “what the heck!” I wish I had an answer. Right now, I just don’t. I can’t go back and I don’t know how to move forward.