Bible Discussion Thread

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." ( Psalm 27:14)

Today we went walking on some trails. We were on our way back, taking a creekside trail. We were getting concerned about the time. We did not want to be in the woods, on unfamiliar trails, in the dark. It was going to be close, but we were sure we should make it back before it became dark.

Before we started this trail, we had looked at our map. According to it, if we walked alongside the creek for some distance, we should come to a bridge which would cross over the creek. Once over the creek, another trail would take us up a hill and link us back to the main trail. From there it would be a short distance to where we parked.

We kept walking. It kept getting darker. It wasn't dark, but a little concern began to creep in; mainly, where is this bridge?

We kept looking at the map, all of us. According to the map, there was a bridge that would allow us to cross over the creek.

One of us went ahead looking for the bridge. The others of us began to talk. One spotted a pipe that went across the creek. He suggested we cross the creek using the pipe. The pipe was big enough to walk on; it was only inches above the creek, so even if we fell off trying to walk across the creek, no harm (foreseen) would be done. The creek was shallow, so even if we fell in, the worst would probably only be us getting wet.

We also saw a tree which had fell across the creek; between the tree and the pipe, the pipe seemed safer.

One kept saying, "but the map says there is a bridge." "Let's keep going."

With no bridge yet in sight, the pipe was suggested again. It was still kept open as an option. If it got to the point, where if not taking the pipe, we would be in the woods after dark - we would have used the pipe; but, we were not at that point.

So, the same thing was said. "The map says there's a bridge; we've got to trust the map." This led into a conversation of how we must trust God's Word. Sometimes in life, you don't see the bridge, but you have the map (God's Word); it is then, fear and doubt can show up. Crossing the creek on a pipe or by a tree could have been a bold decision. Bold is fine, but, if not necessary, it could be a dangerous risk.

We trusted the map. It was not to much longer, and we saw the bridge. We crossed over the creek, and made it back to the car as night began to fall.

The map proved trustworthy; and, much the more, is God and His Word worthy of our trust.

When you can't see the bridge, take courage; trust in His Word and keep His way, and He shall strengthen your heart.