As the Florida intercessors look back on the end of one year and toward the beginning of a new one, we would like to share with IFA some ways God has answered our prayers.
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The Florida prayer call was started on March 16, 2022. Noting that we have therefore been praying for Florida for nine months, I think there is significance to the number 9: For these nine months, our prayers have been in the “pregnancy stage.” I truly believe that 2023 is the time for our prayers to bring forth fulfillment of God’s promises to Florida.
Here are highlights of the way God has answered prayers in 2022, and a preview of what we in faith anticipate He will do in 2023.
Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! (1 Chronicles 16:8).
2022 — How God Had Us Pray:
April
… for parents to take a stand:
We prayed that parents would be desperate to fight wickedness and to hide their children from the evil one, just as Moses’ mother was desperate to hide and protect her son from the evil one. When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds by the river bank (Exodus 2:3).
How God answered: More and more parents are taking a stand to protect their children.
… that Jesus would be Lord over Florida:
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you (Isaiah 60:1).
How God answered: Increasing numbers of people are calling out to Jesus.
… that godly people would sign up to run for the 2022 election:
I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them (Jeremiah 32:39).
How God answered: We saw many godly people decide to run in the 2022 election.
May
… for safe places for the unborn in Florida:
My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places (Isaiah 32:18).
How God answered: There are counties in this state that have no abortion clinics.
… that the hidden agendas of school boards would be exposed (especially in Sarasota County):
Because they do not regard the works of the LORD or the work of his hands, he will tear them down and build them up no more (Psalm 28:5).
How God answered: God has surely exposed evil: The superintendent in Sarasota County is resigning.
June
… that godly candidates for office would win primaries:
Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe … (Exodus 18:21).
How God answered: Many godly people won in the primaries.
… for protection over babies in the womb:
I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD (Psalm 118:17).
How God answered: Roe v. Wade was overturned.
July
… for the protection of all pro-life ministries:
In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues (Psalm 31:20).
How God answered: There were no attacks on any ministries in Florida.
August
… that corrupt officials would be exposed:
Let destruction come upon him when he does not know it! And let the net that he hid ensnare him; let him fall into it — to his destruction! (Psalm 35:8).
How God answered: Gov. DeSantis removed Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren.
… for victories in the primaries:
With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes (Psalm 60:12).
How God answered: There were numerous victories in the primaries, particularly for school board seats.
September
… against the spirit of perversion in Florida:
Jerusalem sinned grievously; therefore she became filthy … (Lamentations 1:8).
… for the exposure of perpetrators of evil against children:
I myself will lift up your skirts over your face, and your shame will be seen (Jeremiah 13:26).
How God answered: About 160 people were arrested for human trafficking.
… that Hurricane Ian would be diverted away from Tampa Bay:
He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens, and by his power he led out the south wind … (Psalm 78:26).
How God answered: The storm did not hit Tampa.
October
… for the protection of emergency workers helping with recovery from the storm:
For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not; I am the one who helps you” (Isaiah 41:13).
How God answered: All emergency personnel were kept safe and well.
… for protection over the midterm elections:
Though they plan evil against you, though they devise mischief, they will not succeed (Psalm 21:11).
How God answered: No evil came against the elections.
November
… for victory in the 2022 election:
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57).
How God answered: There were great victories in Florida.
… for a new strategy:
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known (Jeremiah 33:3).
How God answered: He is giving us new strategies in Florida for how to move forward with sanctuary cities; against human trafficking; and for discernment regarding the stronghold of the spirit of perversion.
December
… that Manatee County would become a sanctuary city:
Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him (2 Samuel 10:12).
How God has answered: Intercessor Alysa T. will take the lead on our plans to make the county a sanctuary city.
2023 — What We Anticipate God Will Do
2023 will be the year that we put our prayers into action. Here are some areas in which we feel God is calling us to action:
- that Manatee County would become a sanctuary city for the unborn;
- that human-trafficking funds would dry up;
- that the stronghold of perversion in Florida would be broken.
How are you praying for Florida, or for your own state? Please share below.
Anita Lynott is IFA’s state prayer leader for Florida. Photo Credit: Canva.