Standing in the Gap

God on Monday
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Then Abraham said, ‘Oh, do not let my Lord be angry if I speak just once more. Suppose ten are found there.’ The LORD answered, ‘For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it’ (Gen 18.32).

Reflection

Abraham pleads with God to spare Sodom. In this verse, he makes his last attempt. It is an extremely dangerous situation. But by standing in the gap, his nephew Lot and most of his family are saved.

Many businesses and other workplaces have struggled in recent years from external shocks, including Brexit, COVID19, warfare, and spikes in interest rates, tariffs, taxes and inflation. The resulting uncertainty is making it almost impossible to produce meaningful plans and forecasts.
Supply chain issues and rising costs are even affecting workplaces that were relatively unscathed
from some of these shocks.

Losing my own business through insolvency some years ago was one of the hardest things I have
ever had to go through. I felt very lonely and isolated. But God pulled me through and brought me to a place of empathy and understanding for others facing similar situations.

Standing in the gap for our workplaces, as Abraham did for Sodom, will help transform society. It will help leaders of organisations to be more responsive to God’s ways, whether or not they believe in God. Some organisations will not survive the storm, but God can bring good out of dire
circumstances. And any leader who knows you are rooting for them is likely to be encouraged that
they do not struggle alone.

Response

Consider following Abraham’s example by pleading with God for a local workplace you know that is facing hardship or in crisis. You may wish to approach its leaders and ask them how best you can pray. Answering God’s call to pray gives us the opportunity to serve others, demonstrate solidarity, and channel God’s love.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for bringing so many workplaces through recent difficulties. Guide us as we pray for those workplaces that are in trouble. May we see them with your eyes and find ways to bless them with your hands. 

This Week's Author

Margaret McLaren, Margaret McLaren Consultancy


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God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the coming Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up to Faith in Business here to receive each God on Monday instalment. 

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