~Madeline L'Engle~
I don't like heights!
Especially heights over water!
And especially a looonnnnggg, high cable-stayed bridge like this one in Georgia!
But to reach our destination, it was our only route.
So, trusting that the cables would hold - and that the architects and engineers knew what they were doing - we drove onto the arching span, going higher and higher before beginning the descent. It surely was comforting to see land on the other side!
I think our journey as Christians is like that. God is always calling us to greater heights . . . in our relationship with Him and others. He calls us to new heights in our commitment . . . in trusting Him . . . in sacrificial service . . . in growing more like Him.
And it's often scary because the heights take us out of our comfort zones. But He never calls us anywhere that He doesn't go with us. We just forget that in the midst of the climb sometimes. And then He reminds us to be strong and courageous and to trust Him, the Architect and Engineer of our lives. Bravery isn't the absence of fear; it's obeying and moving on in spite of it. It's trusting that the cables will hold!
Growing . . . reaching new heights . . . it's the only route to victorious living. Staying on course with our focus on our Guide will eventually lead us to a place that's out of this world!
And it'll surely be comforting to see the other side!
Especially heights over water!
And especially a looonnnnggg, high cable-stayed bridge like this one in Georgia!
But to reach our destination, it was our only route.
So, trusting that the cables would hold - and that the architects and engineers knew what they were doing - we drove onto the arching span, going higher and higher before beginning the descent. It surely was comforting to see land on the other side!
I think our journey as Christians is like that. God is always calling us to greater heights . . . in our relationship with Him and others. He calls us to new heights in our commitment . . . in trusting Him . . . in sacrificial service . . . in growing more like Him.
And it's often scary because the heights take us out of our comfort zones. But He never calls us anywhere that He doesn't go with us. We just forget that in the midst of the climb sometimes. And then He reminds us to be strong and courageous and to trust Him, the Architect and Engineer of our lives. Bravery isn't the absence of fear; it's obeying and moving on in spite of it. It's trusting that the cables will hold!
Growing . . . reaching new heights . . . it's the only route to victorious living. Staying on course with our focus on our Guide will eventually lead us to a place that's out of this world!
And it'll surely be comforting to see the other side!
Lord, lift me up and let me stand
By faith on Heaven's table land.
A higher plane than I have found -
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
~Johnson Oatman, Jr.~
By faith on Heaven's table land.
A higher plane than I have found -
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
~Johnson Oatman, Jr.~
16 comments:
what a magnificent bridge ...
Glenda,
This is an uplifting posting. Yes, God is calling us to higher places. That bridge looked scary. It's a lovely photo.
Great post, Glenda.. YES---we need to continue to REACH for the HEIGHTS.... God be with us all!!!!!
There was one of those bridges in Texas where I lived. It would actually sway when there were high winds... yipes!!!
Hugs,
Betsy
What a great bridge - and application too!
I've truly never seen anything like this bridge! Why the big sail boat looking things?? It looks like a cross between a sailboat and the Sydney Opera house! I'm glad I was able to click and see it bigger. i am terrified of heights and I don't like bridges either. I won't even go over the tiny old ones. I love your analogy, it is right on target!! Wish I could trust the bridges as much as I do God.
I am not afraid of heights. But I am terrified of bridges. It has something to do with being over water, which I am also not afraid of. It's the combination that gives me the fear.
That bridge you pictured looks like one we have to take when we visit our boys in Florida and I have to close my eyes. If I'm driving, I pull over and give it up to the Butler. I am seriously in panic attack over this kind of bridge.
Heeebie Jeeeeeeebies just looking at this picture :)
This post was perfectly timed for me tonight. Thank you Glenda.
I would love to have the opportunity to drive over this bridge someday.
I like the looks of this bridge but over water is a bit scary! So true that we are constantly called to new heights
That is one fantastic looking bridge! This bridge looks a whole lot safer than some mountain driving we used to do in the olden days! What a great analogy! Much wisdom there!
I just love how your mind works, and your beautiful photography and how they work together. I am really phobic about heights - I couldn't even go into the haymow when we were kids at Grandma's.
When we walked across the Royal Gorge bridge, I had to crawl because it was waving up and down. Horrible!
But your thoughts are so thought provoking. And the song - perfect.
Beautiful post, Glenda! Hope your week is going well. Carla
What you've said is so true! I do not like to be taken out of my comfort zone, but I've realized that sometimes that is the only way to grow and it's so good to know that He never calls us anywhere that He doesn't go with us. Bravery isn't the absence of fear, it's obeying and moving on in spite of it. I like that. I have said this past weekend... If I'd known about the things I'd have to learn to publish a cookbook from the blog, I'd have said, "I can't do that!" But trusting one baby step at a time ... we walk and then we run.
I agree, some things we are called to do are scary because they take take us out of our comfort zone. Just this past week I told someone, if I'd known what the result of the cooking blog would be, I would have said , "I can't do that!"
I like what you said ...He never calls us anywhere that He doesn't go with us and that bravery isn't the absence of fear, it's obeying and moving on in spite of it.
Great post!
This is a wonderful analogy. Not only did you trust the engineers and God when you drove over that bridge, but you opened your heart up for God to show you a lesson from it which you could share with all of us--you and God turned what you originally considered a minus into a double plus! :)
I love these type of bridges because when I'm on one, I can truly appreciate the awesomeness of the huge expanse of water and the intelligence and artistry that went into building such a magnificent structure in deep water. My heart does pound a bit faster though.:)
Higher Ground is one of my favorite gospel songs. (I know I say that about several of them...But "My heart has no desire to stay Where doubts arise and fears dismay. Though some may dwell where these abound, MY prayer, MY aim is higher ground."
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