Have you ever given any thought to a bridge? In North Carolina just a few miles south of
us is an old bridge that allows an entire community to leave an island without
a ferry. That bridge has been undermined
by whispers of seawater over the years until it’s foundation is cracked and
corroded. Fearing for the safety of the
local community the Department of Transportation was forced to close it down
temporarily and it made life difficult for everyone. More slow expensive ferries were needed and
many people simply stayed home and did not go out. All this happened because of a damaged
foundation on an old structure.
We who live in Christ are partakers of the greatest bridge
of all, the sacrifice of the cross which bridged the impossible gap between our
righteousness and Gods. We know how
important that bridge is, that there could be no complete fellowship with Him
apart from that powerful act of faith on the part of His Son Jesus. Are you aware of all the bridges God has
established in your life to speed you on your way?
Many pass by unnoticed like a flat freeway overpass that
looks exactly like the rest of the road.
Others are enormous steel structures that span impossible gorges or
cross raging rivers. Some float on water
to link many islands like beads in a chain.
We tend to notice these bridges, how they're built and often, what shape
they're in. Without bridges our travel
plans will take much longer with multiple rides on ferries or by driving many
miles out of our way. If we are on foot
it means we must climb down steep hills and cross rivers and streams by
swimming in water that may be dangerous.
Our walk with God is filled with many bridges. Occasionally it is someone who drops your
name to a supervisor that lands you that coveted job. Some times it is a word in the ear of a local
pastor who calls you to speak at his church and helps jump start your
ministry. Many famous performers have
begun in churches by singing or dancing before their local congregation when
someone noticed their amazing gift and helped them along. That is another type of bridge.
We who trust God and depend upon His leading and direction
should be careful how we treat the bridges in our life. Some bridges have been so badly polluted or
damaged by the people who use them that leadership has been forced to close
them to all but authorized personnel to preserve their integrity. What was once open to all has become hampered
by lack of respect, lies and backstabbing.
You might ask yourself why all this matters. It matters because without bridges in your
spiritual life you must do everything the hard way. You can not walk from San Diego to Coronado
Island without the Coronado bridge. You
must swim or take a boat while dodging dangerous ships and harbor traffic. With the bridge it’s an easy journey. Without it, the journey is not only
difficult, but can be extremely dangerous.
Some rivers are filled with alligators, piranha or crocodiles and
swimming is impossible. Many contain
Hippos which can crush small boats like kindling.
Beloved, take care of the bridges in your life. Many can silently lend a hand from a
continent away through prayer and intercession.
Others might speak a word in season to speed you upon your way. One of the most important attributes of a bridge
is they save you time. Scripture says we
are to redeem the time because the days are evil and dangers abound (Ephesians
5:16, Colossians 4:5). To redeem that
time we must make use of all the bridges God has placed in our lives.
If you are a bridge, stand strong. If you feel unnoticed, unappreciated or
disrespected, do not despair. God
Himself has placed you in a place of strategic importance. Your position may change the lives of
countless thousands over many years of faithful service. Some bridges are magnificent structures
created by great wisdom and knowledge and some are simple spans that cross a
quiet stream. Both have their place and
both serve the Lord. Be faithful, be
vigilant and know that God sees your labor of love.
Bishop J.
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