16/08/2026
THE CURRENCY OF TIME: SERVING IN THE GAP
By Ivu Boniface
Introduction
- Giving is not only about money. Time is one of our most valuable possessions, because unlike money, it cannot be earned back once spent.
- When we give our time to God and to others, we are giving a part of our life that we can never recover.
- This month, as we study Giving under the theme Prioritizing God's Kingdom, we look at how giving our time is a form of serving in the gap for others.
What Does It Mean to Serve in the Gap
- The gap is the space between a need and a solution, between a person's struggle and their help.
- To serve in the gap means to step in with our time when someone or something is lacking.
- Ezekiel 22:30 says, "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none."
- God was looking for someone willing to intervene, someone willing to give their time and effort for others. He found no one at that time.
- Today, God is still looking for people who will stand in the gap through the time they give.
Biblical Examples of Giving Time
- Moses spent forty years in the wilderness leading a stubborn and complaining people. He gave his time daily to intercede and guide them, Exodus 32:31 to 32.
- Nehemiah left his comfortable position to spend his time rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, Nehemiah 2:17 to 18.
- Jesus himself gave his time constantly. He often had no time to rest because the crowd needed him, Mark 6:31 to 34.
- Dorcas was remembered for the time she spent making clothes for widows and the poor, Acts 9:36 and 39.
- These examples show us that giving time is not a small sacrifice. It is a form of service that God values greatly.
Why Time Matters as a Gift
- Money can be replaced. Time cannot.
- Ephesians 5:15 to 16 tells us to walk carefully, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
- When we give our time to visit the sick, comfort the grieving, mentor a young person, or serve in the church, we are giving something that cost us more than money ever could.
- Galatians 6:9 to 10 encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, and to do good to all people, especially those in the household of faith.
Practical Application
- Ask yourself where there is a gap in your church, family, or community that your time could fill.
- Visit someone who is lonely or sick this week.
- Offer to teach, mentor, or assist in a ministry that needs hands.
- Set aside regular time for prayer and intercession for others, following the example of Moses and Nehemiah.
- Do not wait to be asked. Look around and see where a gap exists, then step in.
Conclusion
- God is still searching for people who will stand in the gap.
- Just as He looked in Ezekiel's time, He is looking today for those who will give their time in service to others.
- Let us be found faithful, not just with our money, but with the currency of our time.
- As Christ gave his time fully for us, may we also give ours fully for his kingdom.
