From “Growing in the character of a disciple”: Chapter 4 – The meaning and importance of faithfulness
When sin and rebellion are on the increase in a town, workplace, or organization God looks for people who are remaining faithful. Through such people God can, and does, make a difference. They can be used by God to turn the situation around, to ‘rebuild the wall’ and to ‘stand in the gap’ while the ‘wall’ is being rebuilt. Through them God can do great things.
Moreover, where He finds such a person, even if they are the only one, God will sometimes turn His anger away from everybody. Then His judgment on that whole place is delayed, or even avoided, all for the sake of that one person. But there are times when God cannot find even one such faithful believer, whose heart is true and brave and genuinely loyal to Him. In such a case, where there is not even one faithful person, God’s judgment is likely to follow quickly:
28 And her prophets have daubed for them with whitewash, seeing false visions and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,’ when the LORD has not spoken. 29 The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery; they have oppressed the poor and needy, and have extorted from the sojourner without redress. 30 And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none. 31 Therefore I have poured out my indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath; their way have I requited upon their heads, says the Lord GOD.”
Ezekiel 22:28-31 (RSV)
In whatever situation or place you may be, you could be that faithful person, perhaps the only one there. If so, your individual faithfulness could cause God’s judgment on all of those around you to be delayed or avoided. That will, at the very least, provide more time for the people you know or work with to repent and turn to God.
