A prophecy speaks not just “of” potential but “to” potential. A prophecy awakens — or reawakens — a dream or dormant desire we think of as no longer alive. Most prophecies are not passive — they don’t just come to pass regardless. They are based on what God saw in us and what we are capable of becoming. I say again: prophecy speaks to our potential.
Personal prophecies do not prevent us from agonizing over tough choices and necessary decisions. At such times they are very encouraging. Bear in mind that whatever you do, or don’t do, all that God foreknew, was always up to you.
Jesus knew well the prophecies that predicted his sufferings and death. Knowing them helped him to submit to the will of his Father. Likewise, the Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to “war” according to the prophecies spoken over him, which had spoken to his potential (1 Timothy 1:18). Yet, like Jesus, he needed to “fight a good fight” to realize that potential. We need to do likewise. God assures us that we can do what was prophesied — we just need to reassure ourselves that, by it, and with His ever-present help, in time we will.