Standing in the Gap

What do you consider to be your role as a Christian spouse, parent, sister/brother, child, etc. in the lives of your loved ones? If you are parent, I believe your response would be that your first responsibility is providing for the physical and/or emotional needs of your child. As much as you are busy caring for your child’s physical needs, remember there are also spiritual needs which are beyond your physical control, and that would require that you also stand in the gap for your child through prayers. 

I want you to imagine for a second what it would look like if you fail to provide a roof over your family. Your family is likely going to be at the mercy of unexpected weather conditions and thugs, etc. Without shelter, the lives of your family members are definitely at high risk regardless of the time of the day. Even when we have shelter, we often have to deal with dangerous situations that threaten our lives and properties, so how much more when we are without shelter. Now, because of the unimaginable consequences of being without shelter, we strive to work hard to ensure that we provide shelter for our families. Beloved in Christ, without your prayer covering, your family can be likened to not having a shelter. And that means, you are at the mercy of unexpected events that can threaten your very survival here on earth.

It is mind-boggling to note that most people focus almost exclusively on physical sustenance without much thought to spiritual sustenance. While the spiritual world is invisible to the physical eye, it is important to recognize that it is real and very much connected to what occurs in the physical world. And most importantly, we read in 2 Corinthians 4:18 that what is seen is temporal but what is unseen is eternal (While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.  (2Co 4:18 KJV)). Let's also read the following scriptures:

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  (Eph 6:12 KJV)

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:  (Col 1:16 KJV)

It is no joke that we are admonished in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing. If we devote so much time and efforts to provide physical shelter for our loved ones, then I am entreating you as a Christian, to also devote time to provide spiritual covering over your family. Without your spiritual covering for your family, you may be likened to being nothing more than a stranger to your family.

In the same vein, you may call yourself a spouse to another but if you stop short of praying for your better half after attending to their physical needs you are nothing more than a stranger to your spouse. The best way to show total commitment to a spouse is daily bearing him/her in prayer, while also attending to their physical needs. As a Christian, it is important to recognize that the people you have in your life have been placed there by God and it is your responsibility to provide spiritual covering for them through prayers. 

I believe God is raising an army of prayer warriors in 2018. Would you make a commitment to pray for those in your lives in 2018? It is the best gift you can give to your loved ones in 2018. Would you come alongside with me as we make 2018, the year of committed prayer chain? We cannot wait any longer. It is time to rise up and get into battle. To engage in this battle, you will need the full armor of God as indicated in Ephesians below:

Eph 6:11-18 KJV
(11)  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12)  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13)  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (14)  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15)  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16)  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (17)  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (18)  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

You have no excuse now. The weapons are in your hands. Putting on the full armor of God fully equips you to engage the spiritual forces that operate to frustrate God's purpose for your family.

God bless you richly!