STANDING IN THE GAP FOR YOUR SHEEP (1)

Main Scriptures: Genesis 25:20-21

More Scriptures: Lk.18:1, 1Cor.13:4, Col.3:19

Every husbandman is an intercessor. He occupies the position of the priest, standing in the gap for his sheep-wife and children. And if any shepherd understands this truth from the word of God, he will overcome every obstacle with his sheep and in his sheepfold. If any husbandman has learnt to intercede for his sheep, he has gain mastery over the challenges that come with leading his wife and children and that sets him on the path of victory. So, as the head of your family, have you prayed for your wife today? Have you prayed for your children?

It is important for you to understand that God has positioned you in the lives of your wife and children so that they would succeed. You are their mentor, pastor and shepherd. Much of what happens to your sheep largely depends on how well you take up your spiritual responsibility of praying for them. Let us consider our main text in Gen.25:20-21. The Scriptures tell the story of Isaac and his wife. At forty years of age, he got married, but unfortunately, they did not have a child. So, what did he do? He prayed for his wife. And Isaac entreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren, and the Lord was entreated of him and Rebekah his wife conceived. Gen.25:21. From this account, you will discover that it was the wife that had a problem and not the husband. She was barren, just the same way your wife may have some challenges. The challenge may a wrong attitude or character. It may even be health challenge. Whatever the challenge may be, do what Rebekah’s husband did- he prayed for his wife. In Gal.4:19, the word of God validates the intercessory power you and I have as heads of our sheepfold. My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ is formed in you (Gal.4:19). Note the words, “travail again until”. You don’t give up on your sheep. You intercede for them until you see the changes you want.

As the spiritual authority and head of the family, you must take up the responsibility of praying for your wife and children on those areas of their lives that you desire to see positive changes. Every time you pray for your sheep, you are in command of the challenge. When you also pray for them, you enforce God’s perfect will for their lives. But you may want to ask, why must I pray for my wife and children? First, praying for your wife and children is a sign that you have the love of Christ working inside of you. It also symbolizes the sacrificial love and commitment that God commands you to give (1Cor.13:4-8, Deut.6:7-10, Jos.24:15, Eph.5:25, Eph.6:4 and Col.3:19). Secondly, it is a sign of your spiritual maturity, which gives you spiritual authority at home. When you demonstrate this God-kind of life, you bring the feeling, will, thought and emotion of your wife and children to the influence of God through Christ Jesus. It is never too late to begin to pray for your wife and children. You can start now and watch in amazement how God will them turnaround for good.

SPIRITUAL EXERCISE                                                                                                       

• Father, by Your Spirit, use me as the head of the family to make my family a great household.
• Father, by Your Spirit, make my wife and children great persons on the earth and let them bring You glory.
• Father, by the blood of Jesus, deliver me from the power of sin and ungodliness and immaturity.

FAITH CONFESSION

I am determined to pray for my wife and children as their head and spiritual leader because I want to remain the good and godly husbandman in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

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