“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 life, we often encounter unexpected turns, challenging us to redefine our purpose and direction. Mark’s journey mirrors this truth as he faced adversity and found a new calling.
Mark’s story begins with loss and uncertainty. Losing his father at a young age could have left him adrift, yet his uncle’s steadfast presence provided guidance and support. Like a sturdy wall, his uncle stood in the gap, bridging the void left by Mark’s father and offering him love and mentorship.
College brought dreams of athletic glory, but a career-ending injury shattered those aspirations. Yet, in the midst of disappointment, Mark discovered a new path illuminated by his uncle’s example. Recognizing the impact of a nurturing father figure, Mark chose to become a coach, aiming to instill values and impart love to young boys yearning for guidance.
Choosing to serve in an underprivileged community, Mark embraced his role with dedication and prayer. Just as Ezekiel witnessed the broken walls of Israel, Mark saw the brokenness in the lives of fatherless children and struggling widows. With each dawn, his prayers became the mortar rebuilding these shattered walls, offering hope and healing.
Today, we too encounter brokenness in our communities—widows and orphans longing for support, families fractured by hardship. Yet, in the midst of despair, God calls us to stand in the gap, to be vessels of His love and restoration.
Let us pray: Gracious God, you see the brokenness in our world, and you call us to stand in the gap. Open our eyes to the needs around us and ignite our hearts with compassion. Guide us in tangible acts of love and service, that we may be instruments of your healing and restoration. Empower us to rebuild the broken walls of our communities through prayer and action. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Take a moment to reflect on someone who has stood in the gap for you—a mentor, a friend, a family member. How can you, in turn, stand in the gap for others in need?
Blessings, Pastor Stephan
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