When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.
Acts 9:26-27 (NIV)
Lord Jesus, advocacy means everything. Having someone who will speak well of me on my behalf is priceless, especially when my past paints a different story than my present or future. Having someone who sees beyond what I have done to see where You are taking me, and is willing to vouch for me, is a source of great comfort and encouragement.
I realize that this can only come from You, the God Who looks beyond my faults and sees my need; the God Who Himself tirelessly advocates for me. In Your ultimate display of grace You have raised up individuals – some friends and some even strangers – to speak on my behalf, to give a good report regarding who I am and what I can contribute. Through them I have been given a good name, access to places I don’t deserve and could not have imagined, and have been given favor despite the doubts that might have lingered in the background. All this because You saw fit to send someone – a Barnabas – to stand in the gap for me, putting their name and reputation on the line because they believed in me. Thank You, Lord!
I pray today that You would use me in the life of someone today who needs someone to stand in the gap for them. Even as You have used others to bless me by speaking out on my behalf, use me to do the same for someone else. Challenge me to look beyond their faults and shortcomings even as those who spoke up for me looked beyond mine. Give me the words to say that will prick the conscious of the hearer and move them from a place of question or concern regarding my brother or sister, and show them how You are doing a great work in them.
Someone could use my influence and support today, even as I can use someone else’s. Help me to be that person – a son of encouragement – today, making intercession for them, both to You and to their peers, so that all may see how You are at work in the lives of Your people. In Your Name I pray. Amen.