Give me a cause or a person that can’t stand up for themselves, and I am usually all in. What about you? Do you get a thrill out of fighting for injustices or people that need a little extra help receiving what they deserve or need? I do. But what about when it hurts? Will you stand in the gap for another when the pain is so intense it hurts to breathe?
What about when the accolades are not there? When a “thank-you” is nowhere to be heard – will your stance waiver?
Culture, after all, says to get rid of all the people that hurt you and mistreat you. Society says it is okay to give a blind eye to these people, and you should discard them from your life.
I shudder to think where my family would be today had we decided not to stand in the gap for a loved one.
At times I could barely catch my next breath; my hands shook with fear, and my voice quivered as I stood up to speak, beg, fight and grovel for what my loved one with a mental illness needed. I argued against professionals that said, she would not get better and that the best possible choice for everyone was “an institution for life.” I remember well-meaning people trying to convince me that I had done enough and I would be throwing my life away to continue on this path.
Refusing to listen to the chorus of voices and instead –
I quietly listened to the whispers of God.
He whispered in my ear,
“Stand in the gap for a little while; this person needs you. I will show you the way one step at a time just as I have in the past. I will equip you.”
So I stood in the gap between what was and what could be. I showed up even when I was not wanted nor spoken to with kindness. I fought for proper care, education, and for doctors to please not give up – that there was hope.
When things got rough, I could hear God whisper, “Brush it off; it is mental illness speaking not the one you love.” When doctors refused to give her the care she needed I was relentless to make sure she received it.
When I became weary, God would remind me that Christ endured much more that Jesus stood in the gap for each one of us.
I would often say if Jesus could bear the cross for me; indeed, I can do this with God’s help.
Of course, standing in the gap is not an easy task. It can be challenging, painful, and scary at times. We are not called to stand up for everyone. I encourage you to listen for God’s whisper and recognize that when he asks you to stand in the gap, it is an enormous privilege not to be taken lightly.
So one might ask, “Why would you stand in the gap when it is painful?” My short answers would be:
- Because God invited us, and he will equip.
- Jesus stood in the gap for us.
- Love conquers all.
- Qualities will arise you never knew existed.
Glad that we never gave in and never gave up. Thrilled we listened to God and gave deaf ears to those that said, “Give up.”
Thrilled to say, “We proved society wrong.” It is worth the pain to stand in the gap for another.
Will you challenge yourself to stand in the gap for someone else?
Stand in the gap for others that need it.
Do not make it contingent upon how they treat you, but instead, listen for God’s sweet voice and if he says;
Stand in the Gap – DO IT.
Of course, observe your boundaries and learn skills to do it in a healthy way. But do not pass up an opportunity just because at this point in their life they can’t give back or make you happy.
As you stand in the gap be sure to keep listening to God’s voice because one day you might hear him whispering in your ear, “Move over you don’t have to stand so strong in the gap – they are now ready to fill their gap.”
And you might be taken by surprise when the unexpected happens, and that very same person ends up standing in the gap for you.
How have you stood in the gap for someone else?
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Thank you so much for writing this article. I am currently standing in the gap for someone I care deeply for but who cannot give back or give me what I need in return at the moment but I cannot give up on them even though this is very painful at times. Your words are encouragement to me and my fight. I am so appreciative of you.
Emily, I am so glad my words encouraged you to keep fighting for the one you love. I know all too well how difficult it can be. Sending prayers as I send this for your strength. Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out if you ever need a little extra encouragement. No one should be in this alone.
Blessings, Maree
Maree, I couldn’t imagine someone telling me to give up on my child – so heart-breaking. I really appreciate your insight here. Mental illness is not an easy issue to cope with. I pray that God blesses you and your entire family as you continue to stand in the gap. And I pray for supernatural strength for you.
Aimee, Thank you for your kind words and your prayers. It is a lifelong journey and prayers help all the way around. Blessings, Maree
I have, indeed, stood in the gap for a loved one with a mental illness. It’s rough, but I had prayer warriors holding me up.
Anita, Oh, yes we need those prayer warriors. Maree
Maree, this is such an inspiring story and a challenge for when we feel so much like giving up or giving in instead of giving more. I’ve watched this same battle with a nephew, and if not for all of the gap presence, his life would not be as rich as it is. Thank you for sharing and giving a call to action.
Crystal, It makes my heart soar to know your nephew has many standing in the gap. Praying for his success. Blessings, Maree
So powerful! It’s no easy call –to stand in the gap and to love like He loves… but that IS the call, honestly – for each of us, right? Thanks for sharing your testimony and encouraging us all to not give in and not give up!
Yes, you are right it is something God wants from all of us. So glad you stopped by. Maree
Love fighting for the underdog, the underprivileged, the underserved. That’s exactly what Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry revolved around. He calls us to stand in the gap, and He will equip! Great post!
Yes, Jesus did fight for the underdog. Thank you for pointing that out. Maree
God has given you an amazing story! The thought of the enormity of it overwhelms me, and the courage that you have displayed by His grace is strong, extraordinary, and admirable! Thanks for being such a good example and for sharing with us this inspiring message!
You have no idea how much your words were not only needed today but encouraging. Thank you!!! God bless you. Maree
This is such a hard thing to do. But how important! I’m glad you had the courage to do it. I see the need for it more and more, the older I get. I wish I had started younger. Thanks, Maree!
It is a hard thing to do but God will help us when the timing is right. There are tons of things I wish I had started at a younger age too. Maree
Love for our family and love for God have a way of putting iron in our soul. Thank you for sharing your story of brave advocacy!
Michele – I love what you said, “Love for our family and love for God have a way of putting iron in our soul.” I am going to have to write that one down. Thank you!! Maree
I have not always been the best at standing in the gap. I have let loved ones down….but thanks for the reminder and encouragement of how necessary it is. So a thoughtful post !
Jennifer – You are not alone. I too have let loved ones down. We are all human, but we can keep trying. Thank you for stopping by. Maree
This is a beautiful story of being the hands and feet of Jesus for someone else – even at great cost to yourself. Thank you for inspiring us with it. laurensparks.net
Lauren – Thank you for your sweet comment. I can’t take credit it was all God. Maree
Maree, you inspire me with this story. We do need to “stand in the gap” even (especially?) when it is uncomfortable. God is with us always.
Yes, God is with us always. It is amazing what we can do when we lean into him. Keeping holding tight to Him. Blessings, Maree
Thank you for using your story to encourage others in this difficult space. I stood in that painful gap – “Not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit.” Without the Holy Spirit strengthening and sustaining me, without the living and active Word of God nourishing my weary body, I don’t think I would have survived it. BUT GOD! He is gracious and compassionate and heals the brokenhearted. To God be the glory!
Jana – Amen! Yes, God is amazing! Nothing is beyond him. I am so glad you were able to stand in the gap through God’s power. Blessings, Maree
I love this so much – huge amounts of love. Standing in the gap means that we may be the only thing between our loved one and homelessness, prison, or suicide. It is an important and thankless task, but if it’s been given to us, we should do our best to abide there, as the shepherds did on the night of Christ’s birth, and discovered that when the night is dark and cold, that is when the angels come.
This was a beautiful piece. Thank you for writing it.
Elizabeth – Thank you!!! Your words were so encouraging and understanding. Yes, it can be a thankless task but so important. I love how you tied in the shepherds. I am happy you stopped by to read and leave a comment. Maree
Standing in the gap definitely takes God’s love. He puts that love in action when we are willing because it is a work that we can’t always do ourselves. And that’s OK because he gets the glory for it!
Kelly, I agree it takes God’s love and willing person. Blessings, Maree
I’m guilty. I get scared. I justify it by trying to “protect” myself. Your comment about the mental illness talking, or just realizing that other illnesses cause mood swings and changes, makes a huge difference. I need to remember this…keep it close to my heart, because when the time comes and it’s hard to stand in the gap…I will need the strength to just do it. Thankfully people stand in the gap for me at times. Thank you for your message. #livefree!!
I am so glad you stopped by. I agree it can be frightening and the desire to protect ourselves can be huge. No one like to be rejected or not appreciated. It is so worth it in the end, though. I too have had the same people stand in my gap.
You are so right, this can be difficult and Satan tempts us on all sides to back down. But standing in the gap and following God to do so is a powerful way to bring Him glory.
Nicole, You are so right Satan tries to get us any way he can. I can’t tell you how many times I stood in the gap and would say, “God this is for you.” I love hearing your words. Maree
Wow…this post really blessed me today. Thank you, thank you for sharing!!
God bless!!
I am so glad it blessed you. Thank you for stopping by.
It is definitely gut wrenching to stand in the gap for someone who is angry and lashes out or for someone who can’t appreciate it. We need God’s daily strength, that’s for sure!
Yes, sometimes gut wrenching but so worth it. Thank you for stopping by.
Oh, bless your heart! Mine went out to you as I read of the ordeal you went through to stand up for a loved one with mental illness. Your post REALLY resonates with me, as just today, I was pleading with God in prayer for a precious family member who has literally no one to stand in the gap for him. So many see him as a lost cause, but, oh, I just remember the days of the past when he was little and so sweet and innocent. It just breaks my heart, and I started feeling the weight of the fact that if I don’t pray for him and intercede on his behalf, who will? I often think of what is riding on our own faithfulness to pray…it is a sobering thought. I loved the thoughts you shared here. This is my first visit…I am SO glad I came by. God bless you!
I am so glad you came by too. I am so happy that you are interceding for your precious family member. I too am sending a prayer for him. Over the years I have seen God move over and over again when things seemed hopeless. He is lucky to have you. We all needs someone from time to time to stand in the gap.
It’s so hard to stand by when others are hurting. Especially those who aren’t able to help themselves. Beautiful testimony of your experience with your loved one, Maree. Thanks for sharing and thank you for linking up at #ChasingCommunity today! Great to meet you, look forward to connecting. 🙂
Thank you for visiting my website. I too look forward to connecting. I love your blog and thank you for the linkup.
I so agree with Kristi, Maree, and needed to be reminded of this just
at this exact time! Thank you 😉
Bette – I am so glad the timine was perfect. I love it when that happens. It encourages me.
Such a powerful post, Maree Dee. I found myself cheerleading for your loved one and you as well – as you stood in the gap. Gosh, it’s such a hard thing to do at times, but following God’s prompting is never wrong. Thank you for cheerleading us to do what’s “God right” but not necessarily easy. Visiting via #chasingcommunity.
Kristi – Thank you for the cheerleading I love it. Yes, hard to stand in the gap but so worth it. I have been blessed beyond measure. It has truly been a privilege to have been given the opportunity. Had I passed I would have missed out on seeing and meeting some of the bravest people I know. Maree