Standing in the Gap

Standing in the Gap for Others  by Cynthia Greene

What does it really look like to stand in the gap for someone else?

We may think that simple acts of kindness, offering to help when someone is in need, saying a prayer on their behalf, or speaking a word of encouragement fills what is required. And they do matter and are not small in God’s eyes. But standing in the gap often requires more of us.  It requires sacrifice, time, faith, and perseverance on our part. 

Scripture shows us that standing in the gap means coming alongside others their burden and to be willing to walk with them, help carry the heavy load, and continually lift them up before God. It requires trusting that God is at work even when we cannot see the outcome.

In the book of Mark we are introduced to a story that illustrates this concept.  A group of friends stood in the gap for their paralyzed friend by bringing him into the presence of Jesus.  In the story we read that Jesus had come into Capernaum and the house where He was teaching became crowded.  There was no room for the four men to bring their paralyzed friend in.  Instead of giving up, these friends looked for another way.  When their friend could not reach Jesus, they stood in the gap.  They carried their friend on a stretcher up to the roof, opened it, and lowered him down into the room so that he could be the presence of Jesus. These four friends show us an example of standing in the gap.  They believed and had faith that if their friend had a close encounter with Jesus then he would be healed.  (Mark 2:1-4)

When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralyzed man:

“I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” (Mark 2:12)

The men in Mark 2 did more than pray. They stood in the gap.

What Does Standing in the Gap Look Like?

Ezekiel 22:30 says, “I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land.” This verse we see God searching for someone to step in and intercede for others.

God is still looking.

He is looking for those that will not turn away when they see a need.  Those who will pray, act, and care enough to stay and step in. It does not require having the right words or the solution to the problem.  It is about being willing to show up, to remain present, and to trust God to do what only He can do.

James 5:16 reminds us that the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person accomplishes much. One way to stand in the gap for someone is through consistent prayer, lifting up their name before the Lord even when we see no immediate change.

Psalm 35:13-14 gives us the example of David fasting for others.  He humbled himself before God for others and mourned as though their suffering was His own.  This is a form of showing deep love and care for another and bringing them before the Lord.

1 John 3:18 says, “Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” Doing good works for others, spending time in meaningful tangible ways.  Speaking the truth with gentleness. 

Galatians 6:2 calls us to bear one another’s burdens. This often involves patience, time, and sacrifice on our part. Meeting others needs in practical ways to help ease the burden they are facing.

 In Luke 9:23 Jesus said:  “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me”.  Taking up our cross is not only about enduring in our own trials.  It can also mean laying down our own needs and comforts for the sake of others.  This is where the love of God flows from us to others.  This is how we live out the Gospel.

Will You Stand In The Gap?

Standing in the gap often begins with the people God has already placed in our lives. A friend, a family member, a neighbor.

 When we help bring others to Christ, we are not responsible for the outcome. We are simply called to make a way, to carry, to intercede, and to trust God with what only He can do.

Like the friends in Mark 2, we are called to act in compassion and faith in ways that God can use to draw others to Him. We cannot heal, restore, or change situations.  But we can help make a way.  We can carry the load.  We can intercede.  We can fast.  We can boldly speak the truth about God’s plan of salvation, His promises, and the hope in the future.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”  (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Song: Mark 2