Will you stand in the gap?

On August 5th, precisely 1 day after the port explosion in Lebanon, my friend Nike (pronounced Nih – ke) invited me to join a WhatsApp group. The purpose of the group was to stand in the gap for Lebanon through their trying times. Honestly, I didn’t know something like that could ever exists.

Have you ever seen young people gather to stand in the gap for someone they will never meet? Really, it’s pure joy to see people who love unconditionally and will give out time to pray over others.

Throughout the 5th of August, from 00:00 to 23:59 (Lebanon time), young people within various friend circles and churches took out time to stand in the gap for Lebanon.

How often do you stand in the gap for others? On some days, it can be a simple prayer, on others, days of fasting, it’s all up to you. Although it may be inconveniencing, are you willing do it all the same?

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Do you know what the ability to stand in the gap for someone else does? For me specifically, it is a sense of peace and understanding that I have contributed to someone else’s life.

In fact, you don’t need to go very far to find someone to stand in the gap for. If you have family members, a country of origin or even friends, you can start from there.

Should I continue or it’s a little too much for you? I’ll share one secret with you, if you don’t like secrets you should skip the next sentence. I am called to stand in the gap (intercede) for others. It doesn’t look like a big secret right; Can you imagine having the privilege of praying for people you normally can’t walk up to?

If you are wondering what “stand in the gap” is, it means to intercede on someone else’s behalf.

Biblical references of standing in the gap

Let’s make some reference to the Bible where we can find scriptural examples.

Starting at the beginning of the Bible, you can see Abraham’s ability to stand in the gap for Sodom and Gomorrah save the righteous ones present. (Genesis 18:16-33)

Onto the next, in Numbers 14:11-25 you see God tired of the Israelites. He was ready to strike the unbelieving ones with pestilence; after all, the signs and wonders He performed wasn’t enough for them. Moses’s ability to stand in the gap for them caused a change of mind for God.

Subsequently, in 1 Samuel 12:19-23, you see the people cry out to Samuel to stand in the gap for them before God when they committed some form of sin.

‘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. ‘ Ezekiel 22:30

If you could spend the whole day here, I’d probably add many more references but the ultimate reference is Jesus. Throughout Jesus’s ministry on earth, Jesus’s capability to stand in the gap for everyone is evident as you read the chapters of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John).

For instance, in Luke 17:11-19, you can see Jesus stand in the gap for the 10 lepers. Then you can see in Luke 5:12-16, Jesus praying for another leper who got healed instantly. Last but not the least, even with Jesus on the cross of Calvary, you can see Him stand in the gap for the other robber being hung with Him in Luke 23:42-43.

These are only some references, there are a lot more in the scriptures. You can refer to those as well.

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What happens if I don’t want to stand in the gap for a certain person?

There are times when people annoy me, most especially my friends and family. Sometimes, you may think it’s easy to just not pray for them because you’re not on a good level with them.

Of course you will be angry but think of it in this way and you’ll always stand in the gap for others. Whenever you feel that way, remember that the devil will have easier access to them at that time.

The devil will let even the most stupid thing get you angry or annoyed, so you don’t stand in the gap for that person. Don’t fall for that trick!

People are most vulnerable at that time, please don’t give room for the frivolities the devil brings. May God help you to forgive even before the incident (Would you like to read an article on forgiveness? Click here )

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The perks of standing in the gap can vary but the most important: a privilege that you are able to come to God for someone else. It elicits joy and peace, at least for me.

Apostle Paul encourages in 1 Timothy2:1-2: ‘Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. ‘

It’s a decision and a question you need to answer yourself: Will you stand in the gap?

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