How to Become Grandparents Who Stand in the Gap

Today, we continue our Go BIG! series with the letter G. G for stand in the gap and G for partner with God.

1. Stand in the Gap: No, not the store. The stakes are much higher than clothes.

We stand in the gap for our grandchildren.

Ezekiel 22:30 reads, “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand

before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.”

We are those who stand in the gap. The intercessors for our families.

For our children.

For their spouses.

And for our grands.

Remember your parenting years? Oh, to have had some help in those days!

My husband and I moved out of state two weeks after our first child was born.

Years later, with four children and a husband who traveled regularly, I had a lot on my plate. Though family lived nearby, they didn’t offer to help.

When our children had kids of their own, we watched as they struggled to balance career and family. Remembering our own struggles, we committed to help any way we could. 

We as grandparents are support staff. When our kids are just trying to make it through another day, we stand in the gap.

But what if you don’t live near your grandchildren?

Yeah, we don’t either. They’re three to four hours away.

So how do we stand in the gap?

Through prayer.

Through our physical presence, if and when that’s possible.

Through other means. Cards. Care packages. Calls. Sometimes, cash.

How ever God calls you to engage, you, not to mention your grandkids, will miss out if you don’t

show up.

2. Partner with God: God-centered. God-focused. God-led. God-partnership.

To have influence that will impact our grandkids for the Kingdom, we must partner with God.

I’m a writer by trade. I met author Allen Arnold several summers ago. Allen has

spent much of his life in publishing and now works with the Wild at Heart ministry of the

Eldredges. Allen speaks often on partnering with God. I was on that page when I met

him, but he took the concept to a whole new level.

You don’t want to miss out on this kind of God-connection because . . .

It. Changes. Everything.

He changes everything. 

Exodus 3:11-12 reads, “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ And God said, ‘I will be with you.’”

Are you asking a similar question? 

Who am I to share? To disciple? To mentor? 

If not you, then who? 

Who cares about these grandchildren the way that we do?

God has positioned us for such a time as this, so let’s partner with Him.  

Partnering with God means slowing down to listen.

He sets the agenda.

We get on His page, not the other way around.

And the results? Epic.

Needed resources at the perfect moment.

Fresh ideas.

Light bulb moments.

Partnering means working with, not for Him. Partnering with God allows Him to lead us:

● In what to do.

● In how to do it.

● In what resources will help.

● In what and how to pray.

Are there concerns on our hearts? Always! That’s a call to pray, not to confront.

God can give insights into each grandchild, their needs, concerns, and fears, as well as their giftings, their growth, and their God-moments. Team up.

G: Partner with God and stand in the gap.

Prayer: What are your concerns? Ask your children and grandchildren how you can pray for them. Be sure to follow up.

Partnership: Ask God what this partnership looks like when it comes to impacting the grandkids. What does your role as support staff look like? What’s your next step?

Let’s ask Him now.

Father God, guide us in our intercession as we are faithful to stand in the gap. Show us how best to support our kids. Lead us what does this partnership with You looks like. 

Father, speak clearly, give us ears to hear and eyes to see what You have for us as we seek to impact these children. Bring each one into Your family. 

In Jesus name, Amen.

Legacy Coalition has some great resources like prayer cards and a monthly prayer desk pad as does the Christian Grandparenting Network.

I’d love to hear from you. Let me know if you found one G easier than the other. I’d love to know

which of the two you gravitated toward. If you have an additional G we need to hear about,

please share. Now, let’s hit the trail. See you out there.

Next week: How to Practice Lent with Your Grandchildren