Stand in the Gap

"The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none." Ezekiel 22: 29-30

To "stand in the gap" means to expose one's self for the protection of something; to make defense against any assailing danger; to take the place of a fallen defender or supporter. Sadly, we often get so busy with our own lives that we seldom think of or get to a point of standing in the gap for others; those who need protection, those in danger, those who are struggling.

Think of the times you've just needed someone to stand in the gap for you; the times you've just needed the comfort of others, the prayers of others, the encouragement of others. Now think of your spouse, your children, your brothers or sisters in the body of Christ, your immediate family, your colleagues at work.

How many times couldn't we just take the focus off of ourselves and spend time in prayer or reach out to them with the love of Christ; standing in the gap as we wait on the Lord on their behalf.

Today the Lord still looks to use us to stand in the gap on behalf of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and those whom He would want to draw closer to Him. Keep standing in the gap for those unsaved loved ones and friends; keep standing in the gap for those who are struggling or facing severe trial and tribulation; keep standing in the gap for those who are hurting and downtrodden.

Don't be too busy today to stand in the gap for others. Don't be so focused on your own life today that you miss seeing those who truly need others to stand in the gap for them.

The challenge for each of us today is this: when the Lord looks for a man among them that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Him for the land and for others, that He should not destroy it, who will He find? Will He find me, will He find you?

Know today that when we be found of the Lord to stand in the gap on behalf of another, we could be used of the Lord to save another persons life!!

"One Day At The Time" - WB Journal