STAND IN THE GAP
FOCUSED DETERMINATION: BUILDING A LIFE THAT HONORS GOD IN A WORLD OF OPPOSITION (25 DAYS IN EZRA AND NEHEMIAH) - DAY 11
Our church went through a time of testing and transition during a very troubling time. In the aftermath, our new pastor stood in the gap and led the charge as we walked through this season of brokenness and fought together to heal our community. One of the first things he initiated was a twenty-one day fast where we humbled ourselves before Almighty God and sought His favor.
Prayer and fasting help us align our hearts to God’s priorities. Nehemiah knew that there would be no success unless the people confessed their sins, turned to the Lord, and acknowledged their total dependence on Him. Nothing of value would be rebuilt unless they first totally relied on the Lord’s supernatural strength.
Friend, the enemy of our souls tries to sneak in to our fellowship and works to slowly break down the protective wall that shields us from harm. He hates our families, our churches, and our friendships. You and I must step forward into that gap on behalf of those we love and cry out to God for His help to mend the breach.
We can openly grieve the brokenness in our midst, but then we can lift our eyes to the Lord and remember that the God we serve remains steadfast and sure. He is faithful to keep His promise to never leave us nor forsake us. We can be certain that His covenant to redeem and restore us will certainly come to pass.
Let these truths from Nehemiah 1 comfort your heart as you wait for your full restoration:
You may feel “scattered” right now, but you can rest in the truth that God will gather you to Himself one day soon.
God is preparing a place for you as His chosen one, and you will dwell with Him forever.
In the meantime, God remains attentive, responsive, and caring to the prayers of His servants who choose to do what is right and revere His name.
Let’s not forget we serve the Almighty who powerfully acts on our behalf. The word “servant” here in Nehemiah describes one who is indebted to submit with reverence. You and I worship the Creator who remains seated in sovereign authority over all our concerns.
As His fully devoted servants, let’s stand in the gap and seek His favor. With humble hearts, we can turn toward the Lord, lament over sin, and lay our burdens at His feet. When we fast and pray, we may rest in the knowledge that His eyes of compassion and mercy see our need. He longs to grant us success. We simply need to humble ourselves and ask for His help.
FUEL FOR THOUGHT:
“Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.” (Psalm 55:17, NIV)