“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one” - Ezekiel 22:30 (NIV).
In the olden battle days, the Nguni warriors of Southern Africa came up with a fighting strategy known as the bull- horn formation. Essentially it involved encircling the enemy in a tight formation allowing no gap of escape. If the enemy happened to find an escape because of a gap he might stage a fatal counter attack. The bull horn formation was air tight. The Ngunis were the most dangerous warriors to face because of their lid tight attack strategy.
A gap has been described as a “space or interval that breaks continuity.” Just as in war, there is a lot around us to reveal that a gap can be dangerous if left unattended. In construction a gap that starts small can unless quickly filled and covered extend to bring down a gigantic building or a seemingly stable bridge.
Whenever there is a gap, it therefore goes without saying, such must be immediately closed up. You always want any gap that appears to be covered otherwise the risk are too high. Gaps can exist in our Christian life too, which if we do not have them covered, they can let in the enemy. For example, a household that has a gap of lack of prayer, can without that cover, let in the enemy to creep in and do what he is best at, “to steal, kill and destroy” (John 10:10).
When Nehemiah set out to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, he found that he had to station guards day and night to protect any gaps, that might let in the enemy. “But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry” (Nehemiah 4:7). His response is telling. “They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat” (vv 8-9).
Imagine a situation where there is no guard to watch over the gap! This is why it becomes very important to find those who are willing to stand in the gap. Sometimes the decay we observe around us is just because, without that gap covered, the thief long came, slipped in and took over the territory. Where are those willing to stand in the gap?
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I choose to stand in the gap, and will give the enemy no chance to penetrate and take over any territory that belongs to you, because I have every area much covered in prayer, this I pray in Jesus’s name
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11/05/2024 - 12/05/2024 All day“Now God has caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel” (Dan 1:9)
It can be said with certainty everyone in life would like to be favored- especially from God. Favor brings opportunity and comes with blessings. The Bible has many people who were indeed favored and the blessings on their life is clearly evident.
We have Joseph who had favor upon him whether working for Potiphar (Gen 39:5); down in jail (Gen 39:21); and finally being elevated as prime minister of great Egypt. When Abraham was 99 the Lord appeared to him and blessed him, “I will establish My covenant between Me and you, And I will multiply you exceedingly” (Gen 17:1- 8). Mary was selected among all women as the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:28-33).
Perhaps here one may ask, but how does one receive favor from God?If we may look at the above and other examples of those who were greatly favored by God, like Noah from the Great flood (Genesis 6:8), or Moses to lead the people of Israel (Exodus 33: 12-17), it was not because there was anything remarkably good in these people. Neither was perfect yet God showed favor upon them. The reason is, “For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion” (Romans 9:15).
A clear characteristic of those who receive favor is humility. Isaiah 66:2 says, “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and those who tremble at my word.” As the preacher Charles Spurgeon once wrote, “God shows favor to those who seek his favor by loving Him, respecting Him, honoring Him, and by taking delight in His word.”
We can receive favor by asking God. Psalm 119 says, “I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise” (Psalm 119:58). And God is calling us to have our hearts in tune with Him, for, “the Lord bestows favor and honor, no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless” (Psalm 84:11).Today, pray and walk in that assurance of being favored of the Lord Almighty.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I come to you in humility to ask of your favor to bless me in all that I do, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
