I recently traveled to a large city that had a train and subway system. Written on the train platform and inside the car in large letters, it said “Watch the Gap.”
According to some research, more than one-fourth of train-related accidents happen as a result of “the gap,” that small, few inches space between the train car and the edge of the platform.
From baby stroller wheel mishaps, to people tripping, to people distracted by their cell phones—accidents often happen at the gap—sadly, sometimes fatal mishaps.
Similarly, our lives have many gap moments in them. Each day contains momentary lulls in the action, where we have nothing particular to do. Or they can even be seasons in life where you feel “in between” where you are, and where you want to be headed.
These gap moments are often the sole difference between a life of faithfulness and of spiritual failure. Consider how our Savior took advantage of perceived “gap” moments. We see He often retreated for focused time of prayer (Mark 1:35).
On the contrary, we see King David fell into adultery during a “gap” moment in life. The Bible says, “at a time kings go off to war,” David was aimlessly meandering on a rooftop, when he saw Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). Satan and his own flesh tempted him, and you know the rest of the story.
How do most people spend their gap moments today? There’s a break in the action, and people pull out their smartphone and aimlessly scroll, where they are likely to be tempted by the world, the flesh and the Devil. Or perhaps a gap moment came, and you just missed an opportunity to pray, read the Word or be a blessing to someone around you.
How can Christians better “watch the gaps” in life? I have three ideas, using the acronym G-A-P:
G: Go to the Lord in prayer. The next time a gap appears in your day, let that be your cue to whisper a prayer to the Lord.
A: Alert others to the danger. It could be a friend or family member heading toward danger and they don’t know it. God put you in their life, so warn them of dangers you see, but do so with gentleness and care.
P: Persevere when you fail. Each of us is a sinner in need of God’s forgiveness and grace. We are bound to fail in life. When we do, don’t give up. Look to the Lord to restore you, like David did (Psalm 51).
These are just a few ideas. Will your life be marked by faithfulness or failure during the gaps? Lord, help us.
P.S. October marks Pastor Appreciation Month. I want to express my deep respect and gratitude to all you pastors out there. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you do! And to Pastor Connor, my pastor, I’m so grateful to the Lord for you!
