A couple of weeks ago Pastor Brian delivered an inspirational Easter message followed by a powerful alter call. Brian invited church goers to walk across an onstage bridge publically declaring their decision to follow Christ. The symbolism of an actual bridge and the pastor’s message explained that the cross of Christ bridged the gap between our sin and the world, to salvation and forgiveness.
Because I have a tendency to live life very metaphorically, I started thinking about my own spiritual conversion since I’ve crossed the bridge to Christ; imagining my Christian faith as a bridge. After Brian’s message I began to examine my bridge for defects; wondering whether I’ve been diligent in regular bridge maintenance.
Even though we are saved by grace and many of us feel God’s presence in our lives, there are times when it can feel as though our bridge is under construction – at least that’s how I feel sometimes. Because of life’s daily struggles and demands, it can be very easy to ignore regular maintenance on our bridge; but we would be foolish to forego that regular upkeep.
My bridge foundation is constructed with the daily reading of God’s Word, prayer and time spent with God including Him in the small things in my life as well as the big things. While my foundation is normally very solid, lately I’ve had a lot of days when it feels as though my bridge has become more of a suspension bridge, swaying under the turbulent winds of change and uncertainty. Some days it feels as though my faith is suspended between what I know to be true in God’s Word and the fear that comes with tribulation and an uncertain future.
National news coverage the past few days has inundated the nation with images of disaster in both Boston and Texas making us all feel vulnerable and fearful of the unknown. At times like this we sense the presence of a nasty troll living under our bridge. Most Christians, if they are honest, will admit to battling their own brand of bridge trolls. Trolls are not new adversaries as evil has always had a way of infiltrating even the most faithful believer.
As Christian’s it’s our choice to turn our bridge into a Toll Bridge and pay the ugly troll’s price as he attacks us with fear. We can feed the troll and give in to that fear; which only makes him grow larger and more powerful, or we can fight the troll. Battling evil influences can be exhausting and costly, but if we know our Bible at all, we know that God’s grace and gift of righteousness will help us live in triumph over sin through Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17)
Lately I’ve felt my bridge swaying under a load that’s just too cunmbersome, so it’s likely I need to be reminded that we weren’t designed to be overburdened with heavy loads. I don’t want to be a bridge that’s constantly under construction with a foundation that crumbles at the slightest hint of stress. It’s time to let the Master Engineer come in and shore up my foundation so when the winds of change start blowing I won’t sway as a bridge over troubled waters, but rather remain strong so I can triumph over those ugly trolls of life.
Blessings in Christ,
Kathy K.
Beautiful illustration!
Well put, Kathy. Thank you.