Are You In The Gap?

I grew up around horses. At a very early age my Dad made me a part of caring for them. As a result, I learned so many valuable life lessons that many of our young people could benefit from today. Dealing with and caring for animals teaches humility, builds confidence and demands self-sacrifice. One of the first responsibilities I can remember as a young boy was blocking the entrance gate while Dad was trying to catch a horse(s). As with many animals, a horse will attempt to run from you if they are afraid or just do not want to be caught that day. So there I am, all of 10 years old, trying not block 1 000lbs of muscle on four legs. I was literally standing in the gap.

God’s Word talks about that very thing. The Book of Ezekiel 22:30 tells us, So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. As Christians we are invited, encouraged and offered to stand in a gap. It could be a gap for our family. It could be a gap at work or a gap in our community. Regardless where it is, God has an opportunity for you and I to fill that gap and protect those in our path.

Just like my earthly father did with me, so my Heavenly Father also does. Whether I am helping corral horses or standing in the gap for spiritual purposes, there are three truths about such an opportunity:

• We are tempted - As a young boy standing at that entrance gate, I was scared to death. I was full of self-doubt and empty of faith in what Dad had said, “just stand firm and do not flinch.” And, just like when Jesus invites us to stand in the gap we are tempted to run away.

• We are tested - Whether being asked by a parent, co-worker, friend, pastor or Jesus to stand in a gap, we have the ability to say no. Many times, God has asked me to stand knowing I would be afraid. This is where faith comes in, where we choose to rely on Him or on ourselves.

• We are trusted - I never really thought about it until i became a father. In that moment, as a 10 year old boy, Dad trusted me. He specifically chose me to fill that role. A needed and necessary role. Knowing that now means a lot to me. The same is true when God chooses us. It is a privilege to stand in a gap for the very One who sent His only Son to do the same for you and me!

I encourage you to ask yourself this question. If you are not standing in the gap, who is?

Pastor Aaron