Going into the prayer meeting, I had very specific instructions from God. In fact, we had a lengthy conversation earlier in the day about what my interactions would be. I was not to lay hands on anyone for healing. I also was not to pray aloud for anyone. God was intense that I was only to speak exactly the words that He would give to me.

When I arrived at the prayer service, I did not have any idea what the words would be that I was to deliver. But as soon as I sat down in the “sanctuary” and opened my Bible, God directed me to a Scripture found in Isaiah 46. In silent prayer conversation with God, I confirmed with Him that this was indeed the exact Scripture that He wanted read aloud. He told me that He would let me know exactly when to read it. The first 30-40 minutes of the prayer time, I sat quietly while the congregation, led by the pastor, prayed for all manner of healing. God firmly reminded me to be silent.

Then, when God directed, I picked up my open Bible and began to read boldly from Isaiah 46. The place where I finished reading ended with the words (I am God) and will do as I please. The prayer meeting continued seemingly unaffected by the Scripture passage that God assigned me to read. Although I sensed that the pastor may have been angered by it. But perhaps I’m assuming too much.

Before the prayer meeting ended, the last five minutes, the group was instructed to ask God about what neighborhood would be targeted for extra ministry. It’s the same question that had been asked of God at each of the two previous prayer meetings that I attended. Each time God clearly spoke through me the answer “Widows”. And each time, the answer that I heard from God was largely ignored. It wasn’t the answer that the pastor was looking for. This third time, I was frustrated and said so.

The next part is the unity of unbelief part. The youth pastor quickly prayed about unity and humility. Perhaps it was directed at me. Then the pastor chimed in about the need for unity and read from John 17. Again seemingly aimed at me. I could feel God’s heart as He became angry. The words were coming from my mouth and voice, but the words were not my own. “God is not looking for group consensus.” That angered the pastor who yelled my name and declared that he had already said the final “amen”. (In other words, “shut up Tammie!”)

This may have been a long introduction to get to the main point. The unity described in the Scriptures is a unity of the Spirit, not a unity of opinions. God doesn’t need anyone to agree with Him. He will do as He pleases. It’s foolish to have a prayer meeting where God is told what He needs to do. I heard one prayer after another at that meeting that sounded like demands of God. (About that, the Lord has always instructed me to pray “If it is your will, Father, then we ask for healing”.)

How many opinions does it take to overrule the will of God? How many people with a different opinion would it take to convince the pastor that God had spoken? Would ten people agreeing be the right number? Would unity only happen if everyone in attendance voted on the same answer? What dissenting opinions would qualify to vote out the opinion of God?

Now, you may be wondering the same thing that I considered. Was the pastor’s anger rooted in jealousy? Was he upset that God had not anointed him to hear the answer? Was the whole unity thing just a ruse to make him sound “holy” while he demanded that God needed his consent to have an opinion?

Isaiah 46:9-10
“Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’