Calling All AWOL Intercessors

by Melissa Nordell

I hear the Lord calling all “AWOL” intercessors to come back into service. In the natural world of being a soldier, AWOL means “Absent Without Leave,” but God says He has need of absent intercessors to return to service in the spirit realm. He knows what is coming and what needs preparation in intercession – and says He has need of you right away.

God knows how you have felt, what you experienced and all the circumstances you have encountered. You may be discouraged about unanswered prayers. You may have been hurt. But He says He is here to encourage you and make things right.

Soldiers may go to the infirmary after being wounded, but a good, strong soldier returns to service after healing, ready for duty. Some of you have been misunderstood and some have “Church PTSD;” however, He is ready to heal everything and, of course, He is not mad at you.

It is not hard to understand that Satan and his minions wanted to stop your kingdom building and your warfare against him. It is easy to forget that Satan is the real one behind these issues. Satan does not play fair and is horribly vindictive. The Bible says that he comes to kill, steal and destroy in the first part of John 10:10. However, remember that the second part of that scripture says: “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” This is what He wants for you – new life, new strategies, abundance.

In many places, the Bible says we can be attacked for doing good. Do not believe the untruth that if something negative happens to you it is always because you have sinned. The Bible addresses this issue in 1 Peter 3:14a: “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed….” And 2 Timothy 3:12 says: “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

When I feel threatened or persecuted by spirits who oppose the work of God causing me to get slammed in warfare, I think about Christians in other countries who have been tortured by terrorists and realize my plight is absolutely nothing. This compels me to go ahead with what God has called me to do…even if I feel temporarily wounded.

We need others to help us heal and to agree with us when we do warfare as scripture says: “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them,” in Matt 18:19-20. So come together, get healed and safely intercede with other powerful saints.  

It is also imperative to get proper instruction in intercession and spiritual warfare backed by the Word of God to keep us, our churches and our families safe. The unfailing way to keep safe is to learn how to hear the Lord’s voice correctly. All prayer warriors, no matter their years of experience, must learn how to hear God’s voice precisely since intercession involves hearing our Lord and following His instructions, not praying from our minds. Sometimes we learn the hard way, but it is better to get help and instruction so we do not have problems and do not get attacked.

You are important to God and His kingdom so realize that it only takes one intercessor to change everything. Rees Howells devoted his life to revival and souls, starting out as a miner with no money, compelled to lead others to intercede to end World War 2 as he heard specific spiritual intel from God about Hitler’s plans and the principalities involved. Christine and Peggy Smith were disabled and in their 80’s but were responsible for intercession which sparked the Hebrides Revival. William Seymour was a one-eyed Black man in an age of segregation and racism, not wanting recognition but interceding with his face under a wooden box in a livery stable. So, what excuse have you?

Be honest, the Lord knows you have been a little frustrated with not being used in the kingdom as you would like and not seeing as many results as you would like as well. And maybe you are a little bored with no feeling of importance or purpose. But why aren’t spiritual warfare and intercession a most important purpose when we see the history of how revivals and awakenings have started with so few?

Get back to your place, get back in position. You are not a quitter. Galatians 6:9 says: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Let us focus on the harvest and others – and take the focus off ourselves.

Come back into the fold as God has a specific place and plan just for you. Isa 43:18-19 says: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Get unstuck so the Lord can begin a new thing in you and through you.

No matter what occurred, the Lord has not given you a spirit of fear (1 Tim 4:7); so fear not since it is He that is calling you.

Intercessors: is Holy Spirit reading your mail right now? God has called you to bring light out of darkness, something specific that only you can do, so pray with me and agree: Father, we worship and honor you and lift this mighty intercessor to you right now as we ask you to bring healing and wholeness, peace and understanding so they can make their way back into the fold, the place where you have called them to intercede for mighty breakthroughs, to bring light into this world of darkness and tribulation. Light that Holy fire in them again Lord, all in Jesus’ powerful name and by His Precious Blood.

Is 54:10: “Though the mountains be shaken
    and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
    nor my covenant of peace be removed,”
    says the Lord, who has compassion on you.