By Recently my sweetie and I were at a beach on the coast of Washington. The shore was vast, the wind was blowing, and the waves were in full motion. Even though the chill was brisk, the sun beat through the clouds as we explored the sea life covered rocks and marveled at the vastness of the ocean.
Then, in order to continue our adventure and explore the other side of the beach, we had to cross a little make-shift bridge to get to the other side. Now this bridge we had to cross was a few pieces of driftwood set across six feet of water that was about four inches deep. The person who went before us was a two year old little boy who crossed with ease. Yet for some reason, when it was my turn, I froze. With my boyfriend already on the other side, I wasn’t confident crossing it alone.
It sounds silly and childish, but fear doesn’t discriminate.
I had my boyfriend come back to the side I was on and hold my hand as I crossed, and I did so easily – just like the toddler. And he said, “see, you didn’t even need my help,” which was true. It wasn’t so much that the bridge was too hard or long or unstable for me to cross. I had allowed fear to keep me from moving forward, and having my sweetie by my side gave me strength to be confident in my abilities.
. . .
Fear tries to grip us and tell us we are incapable of moving forward in God’s will for our lives. He uses his lies to get us tripped up on the smallest of things, paralyzing us from tapping into our full potential. However, we don’t have to live there; with God’s help, we can cross the bridge. And the best part is, His help is readily available for us at all times, in every situation. Because here’s the truth about the bridge:
God wouldn’t tell you to cross the bridge if He knew you couldn’t do it. 1 Corinthians 10:12-14 says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” God knows everything you are going through; even more, he knows everything you will go through in your future as well. Better yet, he will not let you experience anything you cannot overcome. When you allow him to take your hand and be your guide, he will lead you down the path of success and victory in every situation.
With God all things are possible – even crossing what seems like the most impossible bridge. Though it’s easy to move past this truth because it’s one of those one that’s over used on home decor signs and at children’s Vacation Bible School, it is important to let it really sink in to your heart.
Nothing – not one thing in your life, not one thing in the entire world – nothing is impossible for God. He can restore any relationship. He can heal any disease. He can improve any financial situation.
Nothing is too big, nobody is too far gone, no situation is so void of hope that Hope himself cannot enter and establish victory.
Fear often makes the bridge seem bigger than it really is. When we start focusing on the barrier, the obstacle, the problem, it not only becomes all we can see but it also becomes much larger in our sight than it is in reality. When he lean on God and allow his thoughts and ways to become ours, we see things from a much different perspective – a much bigger perspective that shows just how small our problems are compared to how big He is.
God is good, always. No matter the situation and no matter the outcome, God does not change. He is always good, and he always wants goods things for his children. Therefore, when we surrender to God, reach out for his hand, he will help us cross any bridge that we come across with ease and – believe it or not – with peace and joy.
Cross the bridge – whatever bridge you’re up against in your life today – with the peaceful confidence that comes from the faithfulness, guidance, and help of our good Father.
