7 Heroes of Faith and the Power of Prayer in Their Lives

We pray because we want something to change in our lives. Every day, we are attacked by many different circumstances — financial insecurities, health problems, or even relationship issues.

Most of us find prayer “a remedy” to these problems. But what if the answer is different from what we expected?

That’s probably why God used many people in the Bible about prayers being answered. These faithful heroes begged God to intervene in their troubled lives, which He reasonably did.

As you read along, observe these two things:

The reason why that person prayed (intention and attitude)
How has God powerfully answered the prayer

And who knows? It may also change the way you pray and receive God’s answer.

The Heroes Who Prayed

Hannah

In Bible times, when a woman is barren, it brings deep shame to the family. This is because children are seen as God’s gift, and being infertile is a challenging situation.

Like Hannah, you may be in a position where everything is hopeless. You may have already questioned God why you feel that “deep shame”.

But, recorded in 1 Samuel 1:11 (NIV) is Hannah’s prayer of faith.

She said, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

As you see, Hannah already claimed that God would fulfill His promise in her life even before she was pregnant. Sure enough, Samuel went down in history as Israel’s greatest prophet.

Just like Hannah, you can manifest God’s promise in your life and let Him be God.

Daniel

Imagine being in a place where no one knows you, and you’re being kept as a slave. You might have questioned God and blamed Him for your circumstance.

But Daniel reacted otherwise.

He knew God and how to communicate with and listen to God. Also, he made God his Friend in a country where he knew no one. Daniel 2:27-28 (ESV) describes Daniel as one great man.

It says, Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed are these:”

Daniel was successful because He gave God all the credit. And because of that, he became chief administrator of the whole Medo-Persian kingdom!

Daniel might have become proud and arrogant. But, he understood that he was just a servant in the hands of an omnipotent God.

And that understanding came from his personal connection with God through prayer.

Jairus

Let’s talk about something more serious—death.

Jairus had a dying daughter. According to Mark 5:23 (NIV), he pleaded earnestly with Jesus, saying, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put Your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.”

All of us are desperate for healing, especially when it is our loved ones who are at stake. We tend to pray and bargain with God to heal them from whatever they’re suffering.

In this story of Jairus, maybe God is just testing our faith. His daughter already died before Jesus arrived at his home!

But Jesus had more than a cure in mind when He urged Jairus to believe. When Jesus entered the house, He resurrected the girl from the dead.

Jesus wants to go above and beyond our expectations—He wants to revive our faith!

Elisha

Have you ever been in a situation where you are responsible for something yet don’t know what to do next?

Elisha did. God gave Elisha prophetic skills and abilities, and these threatened the king. He sent a troop to encircle Elisha’s city and initiate an assault. This news caused Elisha’s servant to panic.

There may be moments when God entrusts us with something, and along with it are circumstances that can harm us.

Instead of panicking, Elisha told his servant. “Don’t be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16, NIV)

God answered Elisha’s prayer by blinding the opposing army. He then led his people out of the city.

You will also have the confidence to accomplish anything God asks of you. This is possible if we seek His protection surrounding us, knowing that our circumstances are blind to His might!

Joseph

The slave who turned into one of the best leaders in Egypt.

The Bible states that Joseph had a close relationship with God, and this is because of his prayer life. Because of this, even his master saw how close he was to God and found favor in him.

Genesis 39:2-4 (ESV) describes how Joseph is with his relationship with God.

It says, “The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had.”

Because of his faithful prayer life, God used him to govern Egypt and deliver them out of famine.

You might relate to Joseph in a way. Your business is not doing good, you have failing grades at school, or a really good friend betrayed you.

Regardless of how bad your situation is, remember that the God who led Joseph from rags to riches will definitely give you a way out, too. Just pray.

David

David was known to be the man after God’s own heart. But, how did he become one?

What does his prayer life look like? David was just like any of us. He committed mistakes, and he admits that he has deeply sinned against God.

But what made David successful was how he acknowledged his mistake and confessed to God. Psalms 51:10 (ESV) says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

After having heartfelt repentance and a deep talk with God, he felt a sense of peace in his heart and accepted that God already forgave him.

In our journey to success, we might experience a lot of temptations and stumbling blocks along the way. But, our persistent surrender to God will make us successful in our day-to-day battle with trials.

Jesus

Really? The Man who saved the world from sin prayed, too?

Yes. Jesus was not exempted from the benefits of this ultimate secret. As recorded in the Scriptures, He spent many, many hours in prayer.

Jesus could’ve just skipped the prayer part and went on to save the world.

But, no.

Every day, in the early hours of the morning, He kneeled and prayed to God the Father for protection and guidance.

“But He would withdraw to desolate places and pray,” according to Luke 5:16 (ESV). By spending time with his Father regularly, Jesus stayed in touch with His desire and purpose.

Why did Jesus do this?

Because He wants to be an example of how powerful prayer is.

Even before He was crucified, He prayed and pleaded to God to let the circumstance pass. But He was willing to submit Himself for God’s leading and will, and that was how the most extraordinary love story started.

There is Power in Prayer

Prayer has worked wonders in the lives of people in the Bible, and it can work for you, too!

It will help you to:

Acquire peace of mind
Be patient
Become the person God wants you to become

God’s Word is transparent in how great heroes in the Bible are and how dependent they are on God. He wants us to be comforted that He always provides the best answers only if we allow His power to influence our lives.

Author Bio

Heroes 2 is a Bible trivia game released by the Hope Channel. It is a sequel to the game, Heroes, which was released in 2013. The latest game version is on 3D graphics and animation, enhanced with unique features and more challenging Bible questions. It comes in four languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. The game is available on both iOS and Android.

August 5, 2021August 5, 2021

The Dangers Of Sexual Sin

“I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare.” (Ecclesiastes 7:26 NIV) Solomon most likely wrote the above verse from Ecclesiastes in his later years. Who better to write about the enslaving nature of sexual sin than the man who had hundreds of wives and concubines? The scripture tells us that Solomon’s love for foreign women eventually led to his plunge into idolatry. Chasing sex, he allowed these women to lead his heart astray: “his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God” (1 Kings 11:4 NIV).

In the verse above, the woman can be used metaphorically as sexual sin in general. As in the first few chapters of Proverbs, Solomon here also warns people to steer clear of sexual sin. Those who do not will be ensnared by it. Regardless of gender, sexual sin can enslave people when they give it an opportunity to do so. It is the type of slave master who does not release its victims once they are ensnared. It seeks to consume every area of the slave’s life.

Today, remember, God created us to have dominion over the earth and to subdue it. At the fall of Adam and Eve, the devil usurped man’s dominion and was given the power of death. When Jesus died and rose from the dead, he took dominion away from the devil. And now those who believe in Jesus rightfully inherit that dominion over the earth, the forces of evil and sin. Paul explained in Romans that we are not to allow sin to reign in our bodies. We have dominion over sin and have the freedom to use our bodies to please God.

…so use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.” Romans 6:13-14 (NLT)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for dying in my place on the cross and rising from the dead. Father, thank You for winning back dominion for us over evil, sin and death. God, help those of us that struggle with sexual sin, we confess all our sins to You and repent asking for Your total forgiveness, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

April 30, 2021April 30, 2021

Diligence Brings Rewards

Everybody likes a reward whether earned or unearned. God likes to give rewards He longs to pour out His favour and blessings on you. He wants to give you His goodness and provision. He promises to do His part, but you have to do your part and be diligent. First of all, be diligent in seeking His ways and obeying His commands. Then, be diligent with what He has already given you, your time and resources.

Scripture says in Matthew, there were three men whose employer entrusted them with some money called talents. Two of the men were diligent and invested the talents, used them and received a great return. The third man was afraid and buried what he was given. The first two men were rewarded and praised for their diligence, while the third man was rebuked. He got no return or reward!

Today, follow the example of the two men who used their talents. Look for ways to be diligent with what the Master has placed in your hand. Whatever you do, do it with excellence. Be the best you can be and go the extra mile, even when you think it goes unnoticed. Understand that when people don’t notice, God notices and promises to reward the appetite of the diligent!

“…the appetite of the diligent is abundantly supplied.” (Proverbs 13:4, AMPC)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for the favour and blessings You’ve placed in my life. Father, today I will be diligent. I will strive to live in excellence and do everything to the best of my ability. God, I give You all the glory for every reward I have and will receive, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

March 11, 2021March 11, 2021

A Faithful Servant

Are you ready for a blessing? When we are faithful with what God has placed in our hands, we position ourselves for a blessing. Many people pray, “God bless me!” But God is saying, “Are you being faithful with what I have given you?” Scripture tells us that when we are faithful with the little, God will make us ruler over much.

The biblical principle suggests you can’t reap a harvest without first planting seeds. God has given each of us seeds to sow, so don’t hold on to them! Sow them! You sow when you give. You sow when you are faithful in prayer. You sow when you speak life over your future. You sow when you help others.

Today, I encourage you to develop faithfulness in the small things. Develop faithfulness in your character. Be on time. Keep your word. Be dependable. As you develop faithfulness, God will see your good works and He’ll make you ruler over much!

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for being faithful to me. Your promise of faithfulness continues to come to pass in my life. God, make me a faithful follower and sower, as I seek to serve You and others with all You’ve given me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

February 4, 2019February 4, 2019

Ah Oceans of blue: A Poem For The Brokenhearted

Ah Oceans of blue
Whose waves toss and curl shouting in the wind
You who spit and foam out onto the seashore
Your depths no one can fathom
Ah Oceans of blue
Your roars shatter out all other sounds
Yet, you calm the tempest of my soul
Your depths so impenetrable
Ah Oceans of blue
The winds have abated your presence is calm
Yet, who can tell what direction lies ahead?
Who can know of your intent?
Ah Oceans of blue
You whose waves when provoked
Crash constantly
Incessantly
Your mouth opens and spews out its salty substance
Who can rein in your majestic temperament?
Ah Oceans of blue
Whose waters mirror the colours of the heavens
Whose sea is as glass like unto crystal
Your Maker on His Throne
Ah Oceans of blue
You who raised up Jonah at the LORD’s command
Whose home shelters all living moving creatures
From Him who spoke His Word of blessing and life
Ah Oceans of blue
You who bowed to the Messiah’s words ‘Be Still’
Your Master, Jesus, walked upon your back
Calm in belief whilst others sank in unbelief
Ah Oceans of blue
Gathered together from the beginning of time
The waters He called Seas
The One who saw you and proclaimed ‘it was good’
Ah Oceans of blue
You whose waves continue to toss and curl
Your depths no can fathom
Who can know of your intent?
Ah Oceans of blue
You whose purpose is good
Gathered together from the beginning of time
For the LORD is your Maker
Ah Oceans of blue
The voice of the LORD roars
Who can know of His intent?
Only Jesus as He walks and declares
‘Be Still and know that I am God’

February 10, 2016January 15, 2024

‘Creation From Catastrophe’ a New exhibition looks at how architects are doing more to prepare us for disaster – but is it enough?

Out of the ashes rises great opportunity. That is the theme of the new exhibit “Creation from Catastrophe — How Architecture Rebuilds Communities” at the Royal Institute of British Architects. Featuring a number of impressive projects dedicated to rebuilding communities after a disaster, the exhibit explores the evolving relationship between man, architecture, and nature.

In an interview with Dezeen magazine, curator Jes Fernie said the exhibit reveals an “expanded idea of what architecture is and what architects can do.”

From Floating Schools to Unseen Plans for an Alternative London, a New Exhibition Showcases the Good, the Bad and the Ugly Architectural Responses to Urban Disasters

The exhibit, which opened on Jan 27 and runs through April 24, spans nearly four centuries riddled with successful disaster relief projects. It features designs for rebuilding after London’s Great Fire in 1666 as well as plans for water communities in Nigeria, which could be affected by unpredictable coastal water levels in Africa’s near future.

Here are five other unique projects you can follow up on when visiting the Catastrophe exhibit this spring:

1. The Reliance Building, Atwood, Burnham and Co., North State Street, Chicago, 1890-1895
While devastating, Chicago’s Great Fire of 1871 paved a new way for architectural design. Considered by many to have birthed the Chicago School architectural style, the disaster also led to a new type of architectural design: the skyscraper.

In an effort to create fire-retardant buildings, designers utilized tools such as steel frames and sheet glass coverings. The Reliance Building, constructed by Atwood, Burnham, and Co, is one of the first post-fire buildings that fathered a design very similar to the modern day skyscrapers we know.

The Architect Bringing Cheap, Super-Light Disaster Shelters to Nepal

2. Housing for Nepal earthquake victims, Shigeru Ban, 2015
Simple, traditional homes in Nepal were the ones that withstood the catastrophic earthquake in 2015. As a result, Pritzker Prize-winning, disaster-relief architect Shigeru Ban designed housing structures for the victims.

Ban’s modular housing concept is modelled on the traditional homes that survived the earthquake. His design uses wood frames for the structure, cardboard tubes for the truss system of the roof, and debris from the disaster as infill for the wall. Thatch and plastic sheeting provided an extra layer of protection on the rooftop.

3. Women’s Centre in Darya Khan, Pakistan, Yasmeen Lari, 2011
Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari (the first woman architect in Pakistan) showcases architecture’s role and influence in society. Throughout her career, the 75-year-old designer has built over 36,000 homes for earthquake and flood victims throughout Pakistan. She is also the founder of Heritage Foundation of Pakistan, which allows architecture students to train local residents to rebuild their homes and communities after a disaster using natural resources like bamboo and mud.

One of her well-known projects includes the Women’s Centre in Darya Khan, Pakistan. Lari holds a deep affection for Pakistani women, who are typically displaced and struggling with the care of their children following a natural disaster. The layout allows women to unite and socialize and keep their children safe. And in the event of a flood striking, the first floor is high enough so that waters cannot reach it.

Sustainable post-tsunami reconstruction master plan for ConstituciÃƒ³n

4. Post-tsunami sustainability plan for ConstituciÃƒ³n, Chile, Elemental, 2014
After 2010’s deadly earthquake shook the coastal cities of Chile, plans for rebuilding and protecting cities like ConstituciÃƒ³n became a priority. In an effort to work with nature and the community, Pritzker Prize-winning architect Alejandro Aravena’s firm Elemental, proposed the intriguing method to plant more trees along the coast to absorb waters and prevent flooding.

The idea is that there is an opportunity to do something that would have long-term positive impacts, rather than a temporary fix that might be ruined by another major earthquake or tsunami in the area. The project will hopefully address short-term needs as well as potential long-term problems.

Ideas for rebuilding Hoboken, New Jersey after Hurricane Sandy.

Resist. Delay. Store. Discharge. A Comprehensive Urban Water Strategy

Resist. Delay. Store. Discharge. A Comprehensive Urban Water Strategy

5. Rebuilding of Hoboken, New Jersey after Hurricane Sandy, OMA, 2012
Following the disastrous Hurricane Sandy that struck the Northeastern United States in 2012, about 80 percent of Hoboken, New Jersey homes were flooded, leaving the community wondering how to rebuild itself with an emphasis on flood defense.

That’s when Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas’ firm OMA offered a solution that would combine hard infrastructure and soft landscaping, integrating coastal defense and natural drainage to protect against future flooding. The ideas between OMA’s and Elemental’s projects are very similar in that they look to work with nature rather than avoiding it.

Fernie told Dezeen that OMA offers a multi-pronged approach: resist, delay, restore and discharge. It acknowledges the complex water system and works with it, he said.

September 25, 2015July 1, 2022