Back in the 60’s in my native country of Bolivia, my family rode in a dilapidated 1949 Jeep someone had given my father. My 9-year-old brother and I, age 10, sat in the back seat as we headed up a narrow dirt road with rocks and pot holes. It bordered one of the highest mountains in the Andes, which at one time, was the No. 1 most dangerous road in the world.

But dangerous or not, that road was the only way to get to the other side of Bolivia where a beautiful tropical area awaited us. As we descended the mountain, we drove a few more miles till we reached a bridge over a raging river. The locals had built that hanging bridge with wooden planks several inches from each other.

Father stopped the Jeep right before crossing it. “Everybody out, “he said.

Mom, brother and I exited, unloading suitcases and thus, making the Jeep lighter. As father began to cross the flimsy bridge, his focus wasn’t on the planks. He gazed intently on the man on the other side of the bridge who, with hand gestures, guided father with his hands to move a little to the left or a little to the right. And this way, my father could align the tires on the planks preventing him from plunging into the river.   

Crossing our own bridges:

Today, you and I are crossing the bridge over the water of chaos. And if we fix our eyes on the circumstances, the state of the world, the violence and uncertainty, we’ll plunge into the waters of despair.

But we have another option because but on the other side of the bridge, God is guiding. His Word is showing the way. And with precision and wisdom He’s giving these instructions:

During the journey, should you feel weak with discouragement, He says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV).

Should the economy downfall threaten to rob your financial security, God says, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27 NIV).

When you feel alone on the bridge of uncertainty, God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…the Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

Should your life be darkened with overwhelming conflicts, you declare with confidence: “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

If it seems like there’s no end to your troubles, the Lord speaks, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the LORD delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19).

With the reassurance of His promises to guide as we cross the bridge of life, we remove the suitcases of fear, anxiety, doubt or stress and take bold steps forward. Taking our eyes off the circumstances and fixing them to Him who guides, we move forward with security.

If finances look bleak, God’s provision increases. If evil attacks, God’s power becomes active. If bad news barges in, God’s truth shields us. When the world gets darker, His light glimmers brighter. When war breaks out, victory is His promise. We may be crossing on the unreliable planks of uncertainty, but God’s hope shines through for tomorrow.

Let’s Pray: Father, in the risky and dangerous bridge I’m crossing, I will choose to gaze upon Your hand that guides and leads me to the other side where victory awaits. In Jesus’ name.

Where is your focus as you cross the bridge of life?

Janet P. Eckles