Revelatory Gift: Winning the Prize

A Word of Knowledge in the Small Things

When my son’s youth group hosted Halloween parties at different church members’ homes, I was asked to run a game booth. The garage and driveway were filled with fun activities for the kids, including a lollipop game with two grand prizes—shiny new bicycles with training wheels. I was stationed inside the garage with my game.

That evening, a couple came in with their little girl, about four years old. The very instant I saw her, I knew—beyond any doubt—that she was going to win one of those bicycles. She was the perfect size for it, and I could feel the Lord’s nudge in my spirit.

Because of that Word of Knowledge, I made sure to point out the lollipop game to her parents. I explained how easy it was: simply choose a lollipop, and if the stick had a colored dot, you won. I encouraged them not to miss it, and they promised they would stop by.

I quietly watched as they made their way through the games, and when they finally reached the lollipop stand outside—sure enough—she picked the winning lollipop and went home with a bicycle!

This moment reminded me of an experience years earlier, in 1993. I was playing a friendly game of Bingo with local women. Everyone had brought a prize, and winners could choose from the pile or “steal” a prize that had already been claimed. The most coveted item that night was a darling stuffed bunny with long black eyelashes. I wanted that bunny so much for my little girls.

In the middle of the final round, I suddenly knew—absolutely knew—that I was going to win. And when the numbers were called, I won Bingo and claimed the bunny for my daughters.

Some might wonder, why would God bother giving Words of Knowledge about something as simple as winning a game or prize? But think about it—maybe that little girl’s family wouldn’t have stopped at the lollipop game if I hadn’t urged them to, and God knew that bicycle would be a blessing. Or perhaps He was training me to recognize His voice and grow in confidence.

Jesus Himself gave Nathanael such a moment:

“As they approached, Jesus said, ‘Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.’
Nathanael asked, ‘How do you know about me?’
Jesus replied, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip found you.’
Then Nathanael exclaimed, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God—the King of Israel!’” (John 1:47–49, NLT).

A Word of Knowledge—whether it comes as a sudden knowing, a dream, or a vision—is evidence of God’s nearness and His love. Sometimes He asks us to share it, and other times it’s meant to quietly guide how we minister.

The Holy Spirit doesn’t just speak in weighty, life-changing moments. He delights in whispering into the details of our everyday lives, showing us that His love is both personal and constant. He is our daily bread, our faithful companion, and the One who sustains us—even in the smallest things.