Will YOU Stand in the Gap?
Debby DeStefano
“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.”
Ezekiel 22:30
There is a saying in churches that I have heard many times over the years.
“Most churches have 10% of the people doing 90% of the work and the other 90% are willing to let them.” We have been very blessed at Fairwinds with many saints over the years who have served the Lord without reserve. Whenever there is a function at Fairwinds or work to be done, they are the people who don’t even have to be asked to join in and help, they are there. Whenever food is needed, they bring it. Whenever there is food to be served, they serve it. Whenever there is help needed anywhere in the ministry, they are there ready to serve. Whenever there are services, they are there. You never have to wonder if they will be there to help if there is a need.
“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.”
1 Corinthians 3:9
There are many names that I could list here but hesitate because I would not want to miss any. But those of you have attended Fairwinds for any length of time, their faces are coming into your mind right now. I started thinking about those people that we have had and have in our church who have been so faithful over the years. You know you can count on them to be there and to pitch in and help whenever and wherever it is needed. But then I started to wonder what will happen as they are no longer able to fill that spot. Those who have passed on or like I find myself these days, physically not able to anymore. (We can always be prayer warriors who lift those up who are able.) Who will stand in the gap? Who will fill their position? It seems in the day and age that we live in, it gets harder and harder to get people involved in the ministry of the church. In this day of technology that is supposed to make life easier, it seems that everyone is busier than ever. Our priorities change. Serving the Lord moves further down the list of importance in our lives.
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
Colossians 3:23-24
As Pastor Nate preached a few weeks ago, we all are given at 12:00 am every single day, 1440 minutes. No more, no less. We don’t “earn” extra nor are we penalized and lose minutes. Time is no respecter of persons, stage of life, or importance. Do we have any less time than others before us? No! We all are given the same amount. It all boils down to priorities, doesn’t it? If you don’t make your church a priority, then it really isn’t important to you, is it? You can say you love the Lord and your church, but if your actions don’t back that up, what good is it? It’s like the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 13:1
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”
What does that say about your spiritual life? Are you just going through the motions and saying all the right things, but yet living and acting another way? All questions we all need to ask ourselves. Serving in your church should not be drudgery or a burden. We should all have a servant’s heart and look for opportunities to serve and be a blessing in our church because we love our church and we want God’s blessings on our life. Also, it is the very least that we can do after all that HE has done for us.
“Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered
willingly to the Lord:”
1 Chronicles 29:9
So how are you doing? Do you serve Him in your church with an eager and willing heart? Do you look for ways that you can help or do you shrink away when you think you may be asked to do something? Are you teaching your children that it is a privilege and honor to be able to serve the Lord in church? Do they see you acting that truth out in your life with joy? After all, someday THEY will be the ones who will need to fill in the gap. Will they have learned and experienced the joy of serving through you? After all what we teach our children is not so much what has been “taught” but what is “caught.” It’s all the attitude of the heart.
Who will stand in the gap? Are you willing? Will YOU stand in the gap?
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
About the Author
Debby, the daughter of our church founder, has dedicated her life to serving God at Fairwinds Baptist Church. Now a retired pastor's wife, she continues to inspire us with uplifting devotionals, choosing joy despite her health struggles. Her unwavering faith enriches our community and reflects our mission to know God through Jesus Christ.
