Standing In The Gaps

 

And I sought for a man among them

who should build up the wall

and stand in the breach

before Me for the land....

           Ezekiel 22. 30 

Sometimes we find ourselves

in a situation when

     it is our turn at the plate.

It may be on the most

         ordinary of days,

seeing an unexpected gap,

or finding a crisis bearing down.

We look around

   and no one else

     is rising to the occasion.

Suddenly we realize

         it's our turn.

How are we responding

  to those around us?

What are we doing 

     in building God's kingdom

     right where we are?

One kindness heaped on another,

one sacrifice given

    that no one may ever notice,

paying attention to what

          is needed or crumbling.

If we always wait for someone else

       to take the initiative,

   the gaps get bigger.

What brick can we put into place

     today in this situation

for the spiritual well being

    of those we know

         and those we don't yet?

Standing in the breach

is taking responsibility

  when others can't,

         don't or won't,

   justifying inaction by saying,

          It's not my problem!

But being faithful means

defending, providing, protecting, 

          and acting on it,

seeing a need

            and walking toward it.

O LORD,

Grant us the courage

   to stand up

   and stand in the gaps

                for Your glory,

      just because we can.

You have strategically 

       placed us right here.

Help us faithfully follow You.

We don't know the outcome,

nor realize what we'll find

when we are faithful to You.

A lot hangs in the balance.

        It always does.