Overcoming Fear

I have a love hate relationship with bridges. I love to look at them and explore them.

I hate to ride over long bridges or walk over them if they are not stable.

On a day trip, I decided to stop and walk a new walking trail. I’d ridden by it numerous times but never walked the trail.

Sometimes we have to face our fears

After walking around the lake, I approached a bridge. The cement ended, and the bridge was wooden. Although the bridge was stable, I could see the holes and as the bridge approached higher to tower over the road I felt

fear rise in me.

Everything in me wanted to turn back but I knew I had to face this fear. The entire way across the bridge I muttered over and over “God help me. God help me.”

I was relieved to reach the other side of the bridge. But there was a problem. The only way back to the car was across the bridge again.

I couldn’t face that. Not yet.

By keeping my eyes on God I made it across the bridge

I walked a little further. By the time I turned around and returned to the bridge I felt a little stronger.

Taking a deep breath, my resolve increased. I pictured Jesus walking beside me and reached out my hand, seeing him take my hand in His. I allowed Him to lead the way.

With each step I uttered “I can do all things through God who gives me strength. My God is bigger than this bridge.”   {Philippians 4:13, Matthew 19:26}

Only as I reached the highest point on the bridge did I say “God help me” between my assurances. When I wanted to look down I kept my eyes on my destination at the end of the bridge.

Once again, I was relieved to reach the other side of the bridge, but I felt stronger and as if barriers had been knocked down.  I had grown by facing my fear of this bridge.

How has God strengthened you?

I was reminded of other troubles in life I face. In those troubles I can also remind myself that “I can do all things through God who gives me strength. My God is bigger than this problem.”

What fear do you need to overcome?