Repairing the Breaches (Lost Dogs – part 3)

Hearing in my last two posts (Lost Dogs - parts 1&2) of the multiple escapes from our backyard by Beamer and Kari, one may wonder why we did not fix the area of the fence through which they were escaping. This process actually proved to be more difficult and more intensive than originally perceived to be. Because Kari is a digger, the first attempt to block the passage outside was to block an area where there was evidence of digging beneath the fence line. A well-placed cement block prevented any further use of this gully to exit the yard.

Although this first breach had been successfully blocked, it took only a few days for the dogs to again be on their way in the big, outside world. There was no more evidence of digging or any areas in which the dogs could have gotten underneath the fence. The search for a new breach found that a back gate had become slightly bent. It was not obvious at first glance that this area was a breach. The gate had always held well in the past but could now be pushed open just far enough for the dogs to get through. Once the dogs had pushed past the slight opening between gait and post, it returned to its normal position.

In order to find exactly how the dogs were escaping, my husband took a handful of treats and stood in the easement behind the fence. He called the dog’s names encouraging them to come and receive the treats. The dogs willingly complied and in only a few moments they were sitting in front of him waiting for a reward. This new passage through the fence was identified. We replaced the gate and the dogs can now securely play in our backyard. We keep a close watch for evidence of digging or other fence damage to prevent further escapes.

Scripture talks about repairing the breaches. Nehemiah was sent to rebuild the walls and restore the city of Jerusalem. The Lord spoke through His prophets of repairing the walls around the cities of Israel. God was unhappy when the walls had not been fortified. “You have not gone up into the gaps or breeches, nor built up the wall for the house of Israel that it might stand in the battle in the day of the Lord.” (Ezekiel 13:5 AMP) He spoke well of those who labored to rebuild them. “And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of [buildings that have laid waste for] many generations; and you shall be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.” (Isaiah 58:12 AMP)

 Like the walls surrounding a city, there can be breaches in the protection that God has placed around our lives. Living in blessings and protection comes with obedience to God’s word. A lack of knowledge, self-will and rebellion can all lead to disobedience. These cause breaches in the protection of living in God’s perfect will.

 We may not immediately find areas of disobedience and rebellion in our lives. “Who can discern his lapses and errors? Clear me from hidden [and unconscious] faults.” (Psalm 19:12 AMP) Sometimes we are simply unaware that we are not following the Lord completely. Study of the Scriptures and an open heart leads to truth. This truth repairs breaches and bring us into close fellowship with Jesus. “So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples.” (John 8:31 AMP) These teachings include many things including selfless love. “I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another.” (John 13:34 AMP)

 Each of us must seek to find areas of sin that could cause a breach in our personal relationship with God. “Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves [not Christ].” (2 Corinthians 13:5a AMP) A possible breach could be the result of unforgiveness. “Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive].” (Colossians 3:13 AMP) Another gap could arise from putting ourselves first. “Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another.” (Romans 12:10 AMP) Right actions with wrong attitudes also result in widening cracks. “Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves],” (Philippians 2:14 AMP) The list of possible reasons for a hole in our relationship with God includes many things. These are just a view examples.

 We can identify the breaches in our lives through listening to the Holy Spirit. “And when He comes, He will convict and convince the world and bring demonstration to it about sin and about righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God) and about judgment:” (John 16:8 AMP) When we prayerfully listen to the Holy Spirit, He will show us areas of our lives that we did not even realize were not in line with the law of God. He will help us to make them right. We can gratefully say, “Let us test and examine our ways, and let us return to the Lord!” (Lamentations 3:40 AMP) God’s faithfulness will always welcome and strengthen us. “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the [whole] person; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7 AMP) We can return and be restored.

 Look honestly at every area of your life today. Allow God to help you to see and turn from any sin that hinders you from living in the safety and protection of obedience to His law.