Prophetic Foresight

By Nathan Shaw

Prophetic knowledge is simply knowledge about the future. Prophetic foresight, on the other hand, sees into the future, spends time in its territory, and from that position speaks into the present. Put simply: prophetic knowledge gives information about the future; prophetic foresight gives wisdom to prepare for that future. One contributes information and facts; the other releases wisdom and understanding. We live in a time when prophetic knowledge is both sought out and esteemed, but in the days ahead, there will be an increasing emphasis on prophetic foresight.

Prophets are too often cast into a tell-me-the-future mold, but there is a far better framework:

• Prophets see identity and affirm who we are.
• Prophets see heaven’s agendas despite present pressures and needs.
• Prophets see current needs and connect us with the appropriate provisions in the spirit realm.
• Prophets see current curricula given to prepare us for future assignments.
• Prophets see current provisions given to train us for those future assignments.

People with prophetic foresight release a different type of provision and train with a different type of training. Sometimes they can seem out-of-sync with present realities because they tell us what we need before we know we need it. Even though we are focused on our present tasks, God usually has higher prophetic agendas.

Which messenger would you rather hear from: the one who has a glimpse of the future, or the one who has gone into that future and understood its territory? Messengers with knowledge relay information; messengers with foresight impart seeing. Prophetic knowledge can easily become a vehicle for fear to dominate people’s lives. Prophetic foresight, on the other hand, invites its recipients to overcome fear and embrace a life of adventure. One posture is defensive; the other takes the lead and owns the day.

Prophetic knowledge about apocalyptic events often releases a fear-based urgency that blinds people to prophetic foresight. Prophetic foresight, in contrast, releases a supernatural grace that equips people to become catalysts of change in the midst of governmental clashes. Instead of becoming victims of chaos, the prepared actually cause the shaking. The difference between knowledge and foresight can mean the difference between being a victim of chaotic events or being a change agent during periods of governmental shift. There is an urgency born of fear and an urgency that leads to diligence. The book of Proverbs makes it clear: the diligent have nothing to fear. Here then is wisdom in a nutshell: Prophetic foresight + diligence = governmental authority.

One of the most dramatic examples of prophetic foresight is given in Ezekiel 37. The Spirit takes Ezekiel to a valley full of dry bones. The prophet is astonished at the sheer number of the bones and how dry they are. Regardless, he is instructed to prophesy to them. First, the bones come together. Then tendons, muscles and skin form. Finally, breath comes into the lifeless corpses. Now the prophet is astonished at how vast an army surrounds him. He is told, “These bones are all the house of Israel” (Ezekiel 37:11).

After spending time in the valley of dry bones, Ezekiel could never unsee what he saw. God’s purpose for His covenant people was resurrection, not death. What seemed like a final and definite end was merely the beginning of a great conquest. Going forward, this prophetic foresight informed every prophecy Ezekiel gave. God wants to give many prophets and prophecy teachers an Ezekiel 37-type experience—one that will radically change the way they think, speak, teach and prophesy.

When Jesus spoke to His disciples about the Temple's coming destruction, they asked Him for prophetic information regarding the timing (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21). Instead, Jesus gave them prophetic foresight. There was a much bigger picture than the answer to their specific questions. The bigger picture involved not just the destruction of the temple, but a dramatic governmental shift that would forever change the nations. God wasn’t bringing destruction; He was breaking out. Equipped with this foresight, the disciples went on to become the greatest change agents of their generation.

Prophetic perspectives, theological systems of thought, and information wars are endless and can distract endlessly, but foresight is more precious than gold. Those with prophetic foresight will be misunderstood by some, but sought out by others. Jesus had prophetic foresight. As the disciples spent time with Him, they began to see. With the help of the Spirit, their sight became much clearer. There is a glorious task at hand. Those who step into the territory of prophetic foresight will be used to bring radical change for generations to come.

© 2026 Nathan Shaw.

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Related Book:

A Defining Moment in History

Endorsement from Linda Valen (Master Potter Ministries):

There are many prophetic voices in America who are trumpeting the heart of God in this hour, but Nathan Shaw is from New Zealand! God has given him His heart for America to sound the trumpet too!

This is not a book you can read quickly! Time is needed to ponder the prophecies and let them marinate in your spirit. Their significance, along with the scriptures, teachings, revelation and insight accompanying the prophecies makes this a very important book to read.

Some of the prophecies were given four years ago and attest to the accuracy of the words since they are evident presently!! There are also many “now” words given in 2020 for America as well as other nations.

I highly recommend Nathan’s book.

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