I Prayed have prayed
Lord, thank You for everything You do. Thank You for using ordinary people like me to make a difference. Create in me clean hands and a pure heart.
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“Not All Heroes Wear Capes.” It’s true. Some are IFA intercessors. The pandemic has really popularized this catchphrase as everyday people like cashiers, teachers, farmers, grocery workers, and stay at home parents; people who weren’t usually bestowed with much honor, were finally recognized for all they do. Through IFA I have recently met intercessors who are impacting the world.

One is an intercessor who has faithfully stood in the gap for America for over 50 years and is still going. The other is a wife, mom, and honorary Mayor of her town where she helped pass an ordinance to declare her town a sanctuary city for the unborn. Both are ordinary women with great faith in an extraordinary God. 

One reminds me of a modern day Anna, who despite her age, is fasting and praying until she sees what God has promised. The other woman reminds me of a modern day Deborah, a mother and leader. They never asked for fame. All they wanted was to be obedient to the call on their lives, and because of that God has heard and honored their prayers. 

I was so moved by both of these stories. It has taken me by surprise and stirred my faith to believe and strive for greater. I often look for themes when I pray or when I read. Some articles by other intercessors have confirmed what I’m feeling. One example is Casey Harper’s recent article, “God’s Secret Weapons are Hidden in Washington D.C.” 

Most of us have probably read Bible stories to our children or grandchildren about God’s heroes. His choices were always unlikely candidates, even outcasts. He never chose by earthly qualifications. God always looks deeper into the heart of man. For instance, when wanting a king for his people, the prophet Samuel saw a tall, good looking, physically capable king in Eliab; however the Lord saw his heart was not fit to be the king they needed. 

When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Sam 16:6-7)

Let’s look at some heroes of the faith named in Hebrews 11.

Abraham and Sarah were both well past child bearing years in their nineties and yet they received the son of promise. Your age doesn’t disqualify you.

Rahab, a former prostitute, listed in the hall of faith is later listed in the genealogy of the Messiah Jesus (Mt 1:5). Your gender and your past do not disqualify you.

Gideon was from the weakest tribe and least in his family by his confession, but God saw a mighty warrior. Your opinion of yourself doesn’t disqualify you.

Young David was probably most known for being a giant slayer. He was a shepherd and God found him out in the fields. Your youth or occupation do not disqualify you.

None of these five listed are what we call or consider qualified. Abraham and Sarah lived in tents as foreigners. Rahab was a prostitute which automatically made her an outcast. Gideon hid in fear while the enemy pillaged his town. David wasn’t even invited by his own father to be considered as a king. He was rejected by his own family. Yet these are written as living reminders that God qualifies whom He calls and not the other way around.

God’s champions are always unlikely heroes. He often found them in obscurity and called them out. He loves the nameless, faceless, and fameless. There’s an old quote I read that says, “God has a habit of picking up nobodies and turning them into somebodies.”

Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. (1 Cor 1:27)

Maybe you’ve wondered, could I ever be a champion for God? Let’s look at what qualifies a champion by God’s standards.

The first qualifier is your heart. This is what God is after. He doesn’t want a piece of it, or half, or even three quarters. He wants it all. Half-hearted devotion, won’t do.

Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.  (Ps 86:11)

King David was chosen when the Lord said, “I have found a man after my own heart.” If you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mk 12:30), you are a man or woman who is in continual pursuit of God, and if you are willing to allow Him to examine your heart (Ps 139:23) and come clean before Him so He can purify you, then good news! You’ve got the makings of a champion in you!

The second qualifier is obedience.

Hebrews 11 is filled with ordinary people just like you and me. Their hearts led them to encounter the living God and then they moved in obedience. Each person listed above received a promise from God. They didn’t stay stuck in encounter mode, they moved and did what God asked of them. If you want to see your promise manifested, if you want to be a giant slayer or want to be used by God in any way, obedience is the key! It’s God’s love language. (1 Sam 15:22, Jn 14:15)

The third qualifier is being a faithful servant.

Hebrews 11 is full of many names other than the ones I listed above. There are even some listed who are nameless. We don’t know who they are, but they made the hall of faith alongside Moses, Daniel, Joseph, and others. This is important! Jesus is our example of the humble servant.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mk 10:45) 

In whatever capacity we serve or use our gifts, it is never about us. God gives us gifts, that we may serve others just as Jesus did. We are called to be servants, not superstars. We are called to be faithful, not famous. We are called to build His kingdom and not our own.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. (Col 3:23)

It all begins with our yes.

My former pastor said something I’ll never forget, “The hardest part of teaching the people is getting them to understand that even the smallest acts of serving are equally as important as the one who preaches. We can’t do it without them.”

Everyone starts somewhere.

Remember Esther was an orphan before she was a queen. Deborah was a mother before she was a judge. Daniel was an intercessor before he was an advisor to four kings. Humble beginnings coupled with faithful service set them apart as champions. God invites us to do the same. When we stay faithful to serve in our spiritual gifting, or mountain of influence, it’s God who gives us the favor and sets us apart. If you are new to Christianity and do not know where to start, try taking a free spiritual gifts test online. Pray and seek the Lord about where you can serve Him, and faithfully respond with a yes when He shows you.

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin… (Zech 4:10a)

Lord, thank You for everything You do. Thank You for using ordinary people like me to make a difference. Create in me clean hands and a pure heart. Purify my mind, my heart, and especially my motives. Connect me to the right community and show me where I fit in. Your word says You’ve given us each gifts through Your Holy Spirit. Help me to steward my gift with faithfulness. Put people in my path who are in need and show me how I can serve them and lead them to You. Right now, I say yes to whatever You want to accomplish through me. I know my yes will be costly. I know there will be some trials, and even warfare, but I know that You will be with me. You said those who know their God shall do great exploits so here I am, use me Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

How is this article speaking to you? Are you ready to see God do amazing things through ordinary people?

(Author Gloria Robles is a passionate intercessor with a prophetic voice for today. For more from Gloria, go to Spotify or Anchor to listen to her podcast Something To Share. Photo Credit: Canva.)

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Marty
June 13, 2021

Regretfully, I was late in being blessed by this article
from such a source of wisdom, power and love. I have 2
birthdays in May and lots of things happening in that month.
I always add to the fact that God chooses the foolish to
confound the mighty that Jesus wasn’t born at the Ritz!
This pride thing will really keep us ignorant of God’s
will in any matter you can think of. Thank you, Gloria,
for the solid encouraging comments that demonstrate a
faith that cannot fail.

Toni Kushner
May 14, 2021

Dear Gloria, Thank you for the godly encouragement and wisdom shared to an older generation. As an intercessor, the Holy Sprit over the years has taught many valuable lessons through a life lived with an undivided heart to Him and has led me to pass onto others the lessons learned as I embrace learning about His resurrected life. I do find that being older many choose not to glean from others lessons on losing ones life, that we gain our life in Christ. In my seeking God’s heart to disciple one in the foundational truths of His Word, of prayer and just simply giving to others what God has given to me, it can be a lonely and even rejected place to be in the Church. My heart is to give to others, to glorify His Name and to see others set free and grow in the knowledge and grace of their God, through faith in Jesus Christ and the work of His Holy Spirit in ones life. What keeps me going in His call is a persevering heart for the things of God for He truly is the way, the Truth and the Life. So as the least of one called I fix my eyes upon Him, who puts a joy in my heart and an eternal view that His Kingdom will come and what ever little I may do will bring honor to His Name and one into a deeper relationship with this Personnel God. So may we as His children fix our eyes upon Him and know that He did not turn back that we would not grow weary or lose heart.

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Nancy
May 13, 2021

This was such an encouraging article by Gloria. I live in an area where there’s a lot of elderly folks and so many feel useless, that they have nothing left to contribute in this season of their lives. I think of God’s people in their later years as having such an opportunity to pray and intercede for their families, for the church, for the country. They might not be able to do all they once did but they can pray and that’s powerful. Thanks you for such an encouraging article.

7
Tricia
May 13, 2021

God will the foolish things of this world to confound the wise, thanks Gloria for this article, know one is disqualified in His Kingdom

6
    Tricia
    May 13, 2021

    Meant to say God will use the foolish things of this world to confound the wise 🙂

    2
    Gloria A Robles
    May 13, 2021

    Hi Nancy,
    I have such a deep admiration and honor towards the elderly community. I was mostly raised by my elderly grandparents. I truly believe they are a generation of unsung heroes, and we can learn so much from them. I feel there is so much they still have to offer. Moses was in his 80’s when God called him to back to Egypt as a deliverer to his people. Caleb was also much older in his eighties too I believe, when he demanded his mountain, even when it meant he’d face giants. There is a special service to God, you’re right. Many are faithful Intercessors, and I admire their tenacity and passion for prayer. I’m glad this article encouraged you.
    Blessings

    3
      Toni Kushner
      May 14, 2021

      Dear Gloria, Thank you for the godly encouragement and wisdom shared to an older generation. As an intercessor, the Holy Sprit over the years has taught many valuable lessons through a life lived with an undivided heart to Him and has led me to pass onto others the lessons learned as I embrace learning about His resurrected life. I do find that being older many choose not to glean from others lessons on losing ones life, that we gain our life in Christ. In my seeking God’s heart to disciple one in the foundational truths of His Word, of prayer and just simply giving to others what God has given to me, it can be a lonely and even rejected place to be in the Church. My heart is to give to others, to glorify His Name and to see others set free and grow in the knowledge and grace of their God, through faith in Jesus Christ and the work of His Holy Spirit in ones life. What keeps me going in His call is a persevering heart for the things of God for He truly is the way, the Truth and the Life. So as the least of one called I fix my eyes upon Him, who puts a joy in my heart and an eternal view that His Kingdom will come and what ever little I may do will bring honor to His Name and one into a deeper relationship with this Personnel God. So may we as His children fix our eyes upon Him and know that He did not turn back that we would not grow weary or lose heart.

      2
    Gloria A Robles
    May 13, 2021

    You’re welcome. I’m thankful it encouraged you.

    1
Warrior7
May 13, 2021

Father in Heaven
I Pray that your Will be Done in Washington D C, May there be an Outpouring of your Spirit! Put Supernatural on our natural and cause people everywhere to know that you are Real. Move upon the White House I Pray for those who are being Persecuted for Speaking truth to Power in the Name of Jesus, Father you are King of Kings you raise up Kings and you Remove them! Remind them that are in Authority that you have given them their Seats , that you are the Giver of life and death , and you have Power over All things ! May they see your Works and Power of your hand I Pray for Repentance in the land and your Manifested Power in Jesus Name Amen

8
    Gloria A Robles
    May 13, 2021

    Amen!

    1
    Warrior7
    May 13, 2021

    Hi Gloria , Praise God and I love your Prayers! Glory to God !

    3
    Toni Kushner
    May 14, 2021

    Show us Your Glory, Lord that world will know You are God!!

    2
      Gloria A Robles
      May 14, 2021

      Amen Toni
      Blessings to you and thank you for your insight and faithfulness to pray.

      Warrior7
      May 14, 2021

      Glory to God Toni , thank God for the Power of Agreement! Matthew 18:19 I love how God brings it All together 😊

Debbie
May 13, 2021

Thank you Gloria, for another amazing contribution from our Lord! Your offering today is a giant booster shot of encouragement. Just when we so need that extra dose of encouragement our Lord provides. You are an amazing sister in Christ, I thank you for all you do.

Thank you IFA, all the staff and contributing writers. As an intercessor of many years, I could not have made it through the past year and a half without all of you. God bless and protect each and everyone of you. We must stay strong and carry on, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!

23
    Gloria A Robles
    May 13, 2021

    You’re welcome
    Debbie, I am so thankful that it encouraged you. God knows what you need, exactly when you need it. He’s just that good!

    2

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