The Cobblestone Daily: The Bridge Builder
How many bridges do you cross per day? For me, I cross seven over-passes just to drive to my local church (when Covid-19 isn’t sweeping the world). When I recently drove into New Orleans, Louisiana, our family crossed bridge after bridge to enter the historic city. I sat in the passenger seat admiring the work, dedication, and science put into building the bridges while voicing surprise at the length and height of some.
Driving over these bridges brought about the realization of our trust with the bridge builders. Millions of people cross bridges every day; yet, no one stops before crossing them to call and question the integrity of the bridge builder, his workers, and the bridge. We all cross the bridge simply trusting the planning, execution, and finished product given to us, the people.
As I sat in the car pondering this, my mind begged the question:
If we dare trust the bridge builders, who are mere humans, each and every day as we cross bridges and over passes; how much more should we trust our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ.
The Word of God states:
”So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”
Matthew 7:11 (NLT)
We trust the bridge builders to give us a good product; however, many of us question and doubt God. We question his goodness when hardship arises. We question His faithfulness in fear.
1 John 4:18 states
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
So when we began our journey home on the same day we arrived in New Orleans (it was a short trip), we were met with stormy weather. Our trip had consisted of picking up a car for my teenage daughter; therefore, my husband drove the other vehicle. I was alone and the roads were tremendously scary.
You see, I am a great night driver, a great rain driver, but I am not confident driving in thunderstorm weather like we were having. One thing I had; however, was my confidence in Jesus. First, I admit, I began to fear. My eyes watered as I drove through a particular stretch of road in which the lane lines were hard to decipher and I almost began to cry when I was gently reminded of the bridge builders.
My confidence and trust in Jesus far outweighs my fear of what happens around me and so I began to pray. I poured out my trust and hope in Him who gave me a purpose and a plan on this Earth. I told Him my fear; however, I also smiled and chuckled at how much I trusted Him. I had complete confidence that He would bring me through this rainstorm unscathed.
I would like to say the rain immediately stopped because of His mercy, but the rain continued on for another 30 minutes of our 6 hour drive. It beat upon my windshield with a loud ferocity, smearing my windshield despite the ever pulsing wipers trying to shield me from the torrential downpour. The rain did not stop when I hoped it would; but it did stop.
Sometimes, we want the challenges of our lives to stop. We want them to stop now, earlier, yesterday, and immediately. We are tired of fighting the downpour; however, King David, a man who knew many of life’s challenges writes to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).” Adding, additionally, to this verse, “ but acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight.”
I knew the rain would not necessarily stop when I asked; however, I know that God is good, His perfect love drove out all fear once I focused on Him, and He replaces that fear with peace.
You may not be driving in pouring conditions today, but you may be walking through a figurative torrential downpour. I know our world, in general, is. I encourage you to look to Jesus as your source of strength and encouragement. I encourage you to let go of your fear and put your trust in the Lord.
I would love to read your go-to verses about fear or even an area that you have overcome. Simply login as a member to comment or subscribe to get the latest updates and messages from yours truly! I look forward to reading your top verses!
