Gaps exist in all of our lives.

From…

• Relational gaps with friends, family, or co-workers

To…

• Social gaps of self-awareness

To…

• Work gaps of needed skill

To…

• Emotional gaps of desired feelings

Like me, you probably feel the pressure to “fill the gap”—to patch the problem, to provide the missing piece, to fix what feels fractured.

We strive for reconciliation in a strained relationship.

We toil over habits we’re desperate to change.

We study, scroll, and search endlessly to sharpen our skills.

We sign up for every service possible to soothe the ache of our souls.

But what if—just what if—the gap we so desperately want to fill is a gap we can’t?

What if no matter our effort, our intention, or even our passion… the gap remains?

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A Father’s Epiphany

A handful of years ago, when I stepped into fatherhood, I asked my dad:

“If you could give me one piece of advice about being a father, what would it be?”

He paused. His eyes shifted, as though sifting through memories of years gone by. Then, he shared a story.

“Jesse,” he began, “when you and your siblings were growing up, I had an epiphany: I would never be able to be the father you needed—no matter how badly I wanted to be.”

He went on:

“So often, I would sneak into your bedrooms while you slept. I’d kneel beside your bed, look toward heaven, and pray, ‘God, fill the gap.’

The more I prayed, the more I realized how massive the gap was. I wanted to love you better. I wanted to discipline with wisdom. I wanted to impart truth that would guide your steps. But no matter how much I wanted it—I simply didn’t have the ability.

So, I asked God to be the Dad for you that I never could be.”

Then my father looked at me and said words that will echo in my soul forever:

“The best advice I can give you, son, is this: Invite God to fill the gap.”

At first, his words struck me as fatherly advice. But over time, I have realized they carry a wisdom that touches every area of life.

My dad’s intentions were noble. His effort was sincere. But good intentions and sheer striving never accomplish what only God can do.

Those words—“Invite God to fill the gap”—still run through my heart.

When they do, I pause.

I breathe deep.

And I release my restless urge to fix it all myself.

Instead, I pray:

“God, fill the gap.”

• Fill the gap of distance I feel with my wife.

• Fill the gap of division keeping me from loving my friends.

• Fill the gap of chaos swirling in my children’s lives.

• Fill the gap of confusion clouding my mind.

“God,” I cry, “Come and fill the gap!”

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Who’s Filling Your Gaps?

Let me ask you: Who’s filling your gaps?

Is it you—gritting your teeth, grinding your gears, grasping for solutions?

Or is it God—bringing His presence, His power, His peace?

One, striving kills.

The other surrender cures.

One, makes matters worse.

The other makes them better.

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A Call to Kneel

So here is the invitation:

Kneel at the bedside of your current problem.

Cease the frantic striving.

Whisper a simple prayer: “Father, fill the gap.”

And then—wait. Watch. Worship.

Because when God fills the gap, He does not just patch the hole—He pours in His provision, His peace, and His power.

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Friend, maybe today is your moment to stop striving and start surrendering. Take a deep breath, open your hands, and invite Him:

“God, come and fill the gap.”

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