Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 321 – Mind the Gap, Part II

In last week’s devotion, we talked about minding the gaps in our businesses, the empty spaces in our supply chains, customer service, administrative systems, and organizational structures.

This week, let’s look a little closer to home.

What weakness in my character, relationships, or spiritual life is undermining the work God has entrusted to me? Minding the Gap within us.

“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.” Ezekiel 22:30

Many of you, like me, have started businesses in which we had little choice but to do almost everything, from janitorial work and reception to bookkeeping, business development, and strategic planning.

That does not mean we are equally good at all those things. I certainly am not.

I have many gaps. One of them is organization. I am often called upon to help establish companies, develop governance structures, and provide corporate oversight. I do my best, but as soon as I find someone more gifted in administration, I gladly hand those responsibilities over.

I also have vision. I can often see an imagined future and picture the desired outcome clearly in my mind. Yet I sometimes struggle to articulate that vision in words others can readily understand. Thankfully, I have an amazing wife, patient friends, and gifted colleagues who help me turn pictures into words and ideas into practical plans.

Recognizing our gaps acknowledges that God did not design any one of us to do everything.

“But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.” — 1 Corinthians 12:18

Healthy leadership does not mean becoming the permanent solution to every weakness in an organization. It means recognizing what is missing, inviting the right people to contribute, and allowing their God-given strengths to complement our own.

But how do we see the gaps within ourselves?

Interestingly, knowing that I am a child of God gives me the confidence to look honestly at my inner empty spaces. My identity does not depend upon appearing competent in every area. Because I am loved by God, I can face my limitations without being crushed by them.

We can therefore pray with the psalmist:

“Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

We also need people around us who recognize our strengths, care about us deeply, and have the courage to point out our weaknesses. Wise counsel helps us see what we cannot see alone. Trusted colleagues, friends, spouses, mentors, and board members can help us distinguish between the areas in which we need to grow and the areas in which we need the complementary gifts of others.

So have the courage to look inside.

Confident in God’s love, we can face the gaps within our abilities, our relationships, our character, and our walk with Christ. We can ask God where we need to grow, what we need to surrender, and whom we need to invite alongside us.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, search me and show me the gaps within my character, relationships, abilities, and spiritual life. Give me the humility to acknowledge my weaknesses and the courage to receive wise counsel. Help me recognize where You are calling me to grow and where I need the gifts of others. Keep my identity rooted in Your love.

Amen