A Hurting Word...
Bridges! Lovers kiss on them; the desperate jump over them; the homeless live under them. But we all cross over them--that's life! We look under the bridge and see trouble. We cross over the bridge and tremble. We look above the bridge and--come to the Well and you'll find out! All bridge-crossers welcome--it could save your life!
A Helping Word...or Two!
Under the bridge!...A mess of troubled water--but it's nothing new to our Lord. One day His disciples found themselves on the sea. A raging sea--but with their Lord! And with Him in the boat, they learned they could make it. For the mess turned into a miracle. He spoke the Word, calmed the sea, and quieted their hearts.
And He'll do it for you! Let Him!
"And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm (Mark 4:39 KJV)."
Across the Bridge!...A man with trembling feet--but it's nothing new to our Lord. One day Peter found himself crossing a bridge, not of steel or engineering design. Made of water, waves, and wind. It shook beneath him. But the Lord was there. He reached forth His hand, steadied him, and together they walked the shaky "bridge" to the safety of the waiting boat.
And He'll do it with you! Let Him!
Above the bridge!...A Master with triumphant grace--but THAT'S what He's all about. Redeeming grace for salvation of soul. Resurrection grace for triumph of spirit. He sits at the right hand of the Father, to give triumph through the troubles of life. To supply grace to cross the bridge--for He watches over it. He cares for it. He will see us safely across.
And He'll be there for you! Let Him!
"Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon those who fear him, upon those who hope in his mercy (Psalm 33:18 (KJV)."
Crossing the Bridge
Crossing the Bridge
Eyes blind
Each step unknown
Feeling the sway
Am I on the edge?
Will it hold?
Shall the next step bring
A rush of wind?
Ending the wondering
Or shall it go on
One step after another
Each one unsure
Each one ending in terror or peace
I am blind
Yet I know
The bridge is there
Yet it sways
I feel only my body
And it shakes
and trembles
Unsure of balance
Blinded
Knowing yet not seeing
I take each step, then the next
This walking by faith
It is not easy
If only I could see
Then it would be easy.
Frank Krautter
© Oct 1, 1996. All rights reserved.
Thanks to Dr. Frank Krautter, of Youngstown, Ohio, for his kind permission to use this poem. He is a courageous bridge-crosser, whose daughter is suffering with cancer. When you pray, would you add this family, and his lovely daughter, Carina, to your prayer list.
And that's just a word--or two--from my heart to yours!
His Healing Word
"But he knoweth the way that I take; when he hath tested me, I shall come forth as gold (Job 23:10)."
"Lord, I'm a bridge-crosser, and I'm weary. I need Your strength, Your grace, and Your Word. May I know deep within that I'm not crossing the bridge alone. You see me, You love me, and You will help me. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
