When I think of filling in the gaps, many pictures come to mind. If you live in Pennsylvania, where the state activity is avoiding pot holes, you're ever grateful for the days PennDOT smiles on you and fills in the gaps on the roads you travel. I think of meals I've planned and invited friends and how thankful I was for whatever it was they brought, filling in the gaps in the menu. I think of my seasonal shopping efforts, trying to fill in the gaps in my wardrobe.
Mostly however, I think of relationships and God's direction. I'm amazed at how God uses people to fill in the gaps in our lives, the right people at the right time. And how he goes before us, filling in the gaps in our path. With each step of certainty we take, there's some uncertainty that lies ahead, but God is always faithful to show us that next step.
This phrase "filling in the gaps" has been on my mind so much lately. And just tonight I was looking back through my journal from this time last year and was surprised to see this phrase used several times in one particular entry. What a cool God-thing! Last year, I was thanking God for the way he was filling the gaps in my life, mostly through people, and over the past year it's been evident that he's been going ahead of me, making my way smooth (not necessarily easy but clear).
Recently however, I've been praying for God to fill in the gaps in others' lives, to go before them and make his ways apparent. For those in transition, that God will see them through this season and that they will trust that God is standing at the door, ready to welcome them into the next season of their lives. For those in a place of decision, that they will have clarity and discernment for the road ahead. For those in relational struggles, that God will bring along the right people to offer love and encouragement. And many more whispered prayers that can barely find words, but once again, God fills in those gaps too.
I love that nothing about our journey through life escapes our great God, not even the tiniest pot hole!
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16
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5 comments:
Sometimes, when I see the gaps, I like to stand there and consider what created that space. It's a painful thing, really, facing those points of emptiness. Even though I understand, as you wonderfully point out, that He will fill the gaps... well, if that's the best thing in the end.
Good morning Dianne,
This post, Filling in the gaps, is so in tune with my own thoughts over the past four days. I too, have been looking backward at how God had filled in gaps in my my own life.
There is even the beginning of an article on the topic has been in my WIP file.
Thanks for sharing such a deeply reflection post.
Cheryl
One of my consistent prayers is that he would fill the gaps in my parenting, for my children's sake. Not to let myself off the hook -- I always need to do my best. But because -- thankfully! -- he loves my kids even more than I do. My love leaves gaps, but his perfect love can fill them right up.
Praise the Lord that He knows every little pothole!
You are a deep, deep well, my sis. You bless me with your insightful thoughts. And thanks for the prayers. Right now, it feels like many, many gaps need to be filled. But I know that He is all and in all....
Thank you for sharing here what God is teaching you.
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