Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
How do you feel when you finally get to the end of a very long project? Maybe it wasn’t a long project, but one that required planning and included a lot of tricky coordination? What about a time when completion did not only depend on you and you needed to finish it with others by your side?
No matter the length or the complexity of the project or ordeal that you go through there is an inherent relief when you finally reach the end. Sometimes it may not really be the end, but a chance to pause to take a breath before you tackle the next thing that you are facing. In the end though, the larger the challenge we overcome, the greater the feeling when we are done.
If you ever have been on a long trip in your life you may have had a chance to cross many bridges from the one that is ten feet long to those that are pieces of modern architecture. When we finally make it across the bridges we have built, we can also turn around to look at it. Some of these may even rival that half mile long suspension bridge that glistens gold in the sunlight.
I have had a chance to build many bridges over the years with very mixed results. Early on in my life they may have looked like those rope bridges hanging across a canyon with missing boards and frayed ropes. These were definitely not adequate to support my safe passage especially if there were others with me.
Even later, some of the larger bridges I had to build looked like they were assembled blindfolded, without instructions and lucky it supported everything it had to. It was not until I learned I needed a solid base and patience to build it slowly that the craftsmanship improved. I find these with the plans I sought in God’s word.
You can find many of the answers and direction you seek inside the many pages, but most people don’t know where to start. Do you start at the beginning, with Jesus or just find a good index and search what you are looking for? Most time it doesn’t matter where you begin or what you read, it is that you do read and study God’s word.
I used to spend most of my time in the New Testament because I wanted to know more about Jesus and what he taught. It was not until I really had to study more is when I realized there was so much more to the Old Testament than the stories I heard growing up. If you still don’t know where to start, start in the middle with Psalms and Proverbs.
They are the center of the Bible and contain many words of wisdom that are relevant today. In the opening scripture we are asked to trust in the Lord with all our heart, not just in ourselves and he will show us how to get through our situation. If we look closely enough we can find plans for those single and multi-lane bridges we are building.
The words alone are only just part of what I discovered. I have found it to also be true that when I step back from a stressful situation and put it in God’s hands, I have a more peaceful journey. There have been so many times when it seems I was lost in the dark that I can relate to Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”
People I have talked to, no matter their level of belief in God, agree that they have felt lost at some point in their life. But only a few said that took it to God to help them find there way. James 1:5 to everyone no matter who you are, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Not just one or two, but any who lack wisdom, let them ask God. He is always listening and if you ask in sincere faith he will answer. Remember, many times we may have to do something to help our own situation, we may have to wait, or the answer may be no. However, no matter what answer you get you will always find peace if you accept it.
We may feel like Peter in Mark 4:38-40 when he was with Jesus on a boat and the winds kicked up. “38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Have you ever felt like this when you are calling out to Jesus in desperation?
I love Jesus’ response in verses 39-40, “Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” Jesus asked the perfect questions and what we are talking about. Our faith determines how much fear and uncertainty we face in every situation.
Are you afraid that your bridge won’t reach the other side? Are you afraid that it won’t be wide enough to take everyone across with you that you need to? Or are you afraid what you will find once you reach the other side? With God by your side you don’t have to be afraid and you have the peace and direction you are looking for.
You’ve worked so hard and overcame so much to make to it this point. So, join me by lifting your head high and step off that bridge. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished and thank God for being there with you. When reading his word, remain faithful when you ask Him for strength and guidance and there is nothing that you can’t do. Please also enjoy, “Coming With the Dawn.”
COMING WITH THE DAWN
Lord, this obstacle I’m crossing has taught me so much of your love,
The wisdom in your word has given me the strength I need from above.
Your Spirit was there to guide me and give warning when to pause,
Fore a misstep or distraction could divert me from your cause.
Then as the other side draws closer my heart is really racing,
There is anticipation to reach the goal that I have been chasing.
I still cannot help but wonder what the future now will hold,
Should I move forward cautiously or take a chance to be bold?
Dear child, you still must understand that each obstacle is different,
Lessons you learned by building this bridge will always be significant.
Your next one may need to be longer and impatience will build it wrong.
Or it may need to be wider to accommodate who you need to take along.
What does not change is I am there when more strength is needed,
And my word contains the answers with guidance to be heeded,
So, take my hand and let us thankfully finish this present journey we are on,
Then prepare for our next adventure that may be Coming With the Dawn.
Simple Faith Christian
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Simple Faith Christian 