If you ever travel on a UK underground train, you will likely see three yellow words, “Mind the Gap” printed on the edge of the platform. It is there to alert you to the space you must cross to step onto the train without injury. The phrase came to mind one day when I was praying followed by several examples from Scripture. For example, the prophet Nehemiah saw the gaps in the city wall of Jerusalem and stationed people along it to rebuild it (Nehemiah 4), and Paul the Apostle emphasises that we should not be ignorant of how to use the spiritual gifts we have been given wisely (1 Corinthians 12).
Sometimes we can have unintentional gaps in our lives. They can be physical and emotional needs, or they may be spiritual 'gaps' where we have yet to grow in maturity. Are there any gaps in your relationships or ministry that you need to be mindful of? Are there any gaps in your theology or understanding of the spiritual gifts that you should pay attention to?
When God reminded me to ‘Mind the Gap’ it wasn’t a rebuke. He simply doesn't want us to lack any of the blessings He has for us. In fact, there is a joyful expectation that Jesus wants to come and fill those gaps by revealing more of Himself to us in a significant way. Where there are gaps or weaknesses in our lives, God’s grace is sufficient to help us develop maturity in those areas. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:7, “Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed” (NIV).
We don't need to panic over the existence of gaps, but we do need to be mindful of them because if we don’t mind the gap we trip over it. When we are aware of them we have the ability to step carefully. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5 NIV).
When you mind the gap, God can fill the lack! Be encouraged today that God will help you close any gaps or show you how to leap over them. Jesus has already closed the gap between you and His Father—just imagine what He can do in your life!
