This current Covid pandemic and its repercussions have brought to notice many issues that make it difficult for most of us to live what we had previously understood to be a normal life. I have experienced, or seen in other peoples’ lives, loneliness, difficulties in coping with all the changing rules, frustration and the cost of not being able to see loved ones. Fortunately, this situation seems to be improving.
Just after we were shut down in isolation in Sydney we found a letter in our mailbox from our next door neighbours. They wanted to know if we were OK and if they could help us in any way because of the order to go into isolation. The wife kindly offered to do our shopping and leave it at our front door. Here was a couple with a young family offering to fill the gap between Betty and I and the outside world.
The following words written by the Hebrew prophet Ezekiel were impressed upon me as I thought about our current predicament: Ezekiel said: “I looked for someone to stand up for me against all this, to repair the defences of the city, to take a stand for me and stand in the gap to protect this land so I wouldn’t have to destroy it. I couldn’t find anyone. Not one.” (Ezekiel 22:30 - The Message)
Ezekiel was concerned about finding someone who would fill a gap for him in a catastrophic situation he found himself in. He wanted someone to help him mend the crumbling wall surrounding Jerusalem following the invasion by the Babylonians. But in his seeking he found no one who would help him.
Fortunately, a small band of the Jewish population returning from exile under the leadership of Nehemiah came and stood in the gap and rebuilt the walls with dimensions similar to those used in Solomon’s day.
The phrase “stand in the gap” interested me as I related it to our call to offer assistance to those who are in need, particularly at this time when we are struggling to cope with this pandemic. There is a gap between those of us who are lucky enough to be avoiding tragedy and illness in our lives against those who are suffering. However, this space can be closed. We can step into the gaps we see and offer whatever aid is needed to bring healing or other assistance to people in unfortunate circumstances.
Illness, accidents and other concerns can come upon people with little notice. Just three weeks ago Betty had a bad fall in a restaurant sustaining severe injuries. When I saw what had happened I was in shock not knowing what to do and feeling so helpless. As she lay flat on the floor, George, a gentleman sitting at a nearby table came over to render assistance. He told us he was trained in first aid. George stayed with Betty providing assistance and talking to the monitor at the ambulance headquarters until the ambulance arrived about 30 minutes later. On that day, George was Betty’s Nehemiah.
Whenever we are made aware of a need we can become the advocate on behalf of those who require physical, mental or spiritual healing and assistance. We can fill that gap of hardship being experienced by these people through practical means such as writing letters, making phone calls or helping out with shopping or other chores. And just as importantly, we can also pray to our Heavenly Father on their behalf to provide them with the blessings they need.
The challenge for each of us is to become like Nehemiah and stand in the gaps we see present in people’s lives and help to restore them to wholeness.
Bill Gillard
Evangelist Bill Gillard lives with his wife Betty at the foothills of the Blue Mountains, just outside of Sydney, NSW.