Standing in the Gap for Others

In Romans 9:1-5 Paul is going turn his focus back to the Jewish community. Paul begins this section by reaffirming his relationship with Jesus. He makes a strong statement reinforcing his desire to see his Jewish brethren find Christ just as he did as witnessed through the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, Paul goes as far as to say that he would rather take on the punishment of rejecting Christ and be accursed than have his countrymen lost for eternity. Paul continues on to say that the Israelite's are God’s chosen people under the protection and blessings of God. These protections include belonging to the adoption (the body of Christ), the glory, and the covenants, given the law, worship and the promises from God. It is only through Jesus Christ we will find heaven. Paul reminds us as we learned in earlier scripture “if God is for us, who can come against us”?

If we believe that God is for us then why would we hold back any request we have for Him? The answer is we would not hold back any prayers even the smallest of prayers and requests. As we mature in our walk with Christ, we can see much more clearly what God expects from us through our obedience to Him. I find it interesting that when God calls us to pray for someone or a circumstance, He will call upon us anytime of the day or night. Have you ever been in a deep sleep and then all of a sudden are lying awake wondering why you can't sleep? It usually occurs for me around 3:00 a.m.? God knows that the nighttime is filled with peace and quiet with very little distraction. This is the perfect time to hear God and pray for the things He puts in our minds and on our hearts. In these times there could be one to many things God wants us to pray for. What is important is that we recognize when God is asking us to pray and that we are obedient to pray. This happens quite often to those who have the gift of prayer. Don’t misunderstand, we are all called to pray without ceasing anytime

In today's environment because there are so many people who are lost or have rejected Christ to pray for, we often find ourselves reaching out to God in prayer and supplication whenever prompted by the Holy Spirit. This is one of our primary roles as a Christian, which is to pray for all things. Praying is a major part of our godly ministry. I firmly believe this is how God will show us His faithfulness through answered prayer. It is through answered prayer that our relationship with God grows. It is through answered prayer that God shows His love for us and others.

This is what standing in the gap means to a prayer warrior. That we pray for all things with a righteous mind and a righteous heart. It is true that God will not hear the prayers of the unbelievers, but He does hear the prayers of those who whole heartedly believe in Him and the power of prayer. When we stand in the gap we are demonstrating our faith, our recognition of who we are in Christ and more importantly the love we have for God in Christ knowing that all things are possible through the power of God in Christ. As we stand in the gap it will bring our faith in Christ to the fore front of our relationships with others. It teaches others what faith looks like. It also represents the sacrifice we are willing to make for others who are lost. Just as Jesus sacrificed for us with His blood we can sacrifice with our time and our obedience showing everyone the love of Christ in us and through us.

My prayer is that all of God’s children will stand in the gap for those who cannot stand. For those who are in need and are lost. It is through our relationship with Christ that our place in heaven is reserved and our salvation is secured. I pray that we all would know Christ for what sacrifice He made and the gift He has given. In Jesus Mighty Name Amen! Amen!