Crossing The Old Worn Bridge

Crossing the Old Worn Bridge

 10-7-2020

Yesterday as I was in worship in my quiet time, I got this vision of an old worn wooden plank bridge.  I have gotten recent words and impressions about bridges prior as little nuggets being dropped along my path for me to pick up.  This was a vision with a very clear word not only for the season many of us may find ourselves in but should be for every day.  Let’s explore it together.

I found myself wandering and talking as I was taking this walk with what seemed to be a field with some trees and somewhat of a sparse forest ahead.  The conditions for my walk seemed to be that of a partly cloudy day.  It wasn’t sunny, but it certainly was not overcast and gloomy.  Up ahead I could see this stream cut through the field in which I was walking.  As I got closer, I got a glimpse of this old worn wooden plank bridge, that looked as if it had many feet walk across as well as weathered many different storms and weather conditions.  I was drawn to what was on the other side of the bridge.  It just seemed to glow as the sun was so vibrant beaming its light through the trees. 

I paused and pondered whether I wanted to cross this well-worn bridge that seemed to be in need of some new planks.  I could hear God saying so clear:

 “Come closer into my presence.”

 I tried state my concerns about crossing such a worn bridge. 

“There’s peace in my presence.”

 Yes, I can see that, I would reply.  Getting over there is difficult.  That’s not a shallow stream.  It’s trenches and banks seem steep.

“Do you trust me?”

Ugh, yes.  Alright, I am struggling to trust with what my eyes see in front of me.

“Remember Peter?”

Why yes, I remember that story well.

“As long as he looked up and focused on me, he had nothing to fear.  It was when he looked down at the circumstances in front of him, that he ran into trouble.  Do you trust me?”

Yes, I trust you.

“You’re in my presence, but sometimes I will call you further into my presence, but you need to understand what that requires.  Many will only acknowledge and come so far into my presence.  This can grieve me as I want and have so much more for them.  Coming closer may require some repair work of the bridge I am asking you to cross.  Coming closer may be dealing with the old rusty spikes holding the boards together that are still painful memories.  Coming closer may be the rotted wood of destructive sin areas that remain in your life.  Coming closer may be dealing with the broken and splintering planks that are weak in your journey with me.  Coming closer may be those missing boards of loved ones or burdens I have placed on your heart that I am calling you to interceded and build the missing planks that connects this bridge to my heart.  Are you willing to come closer?”

As I paused, I picked my head up from the view of the bridge and looked at the sun that was shining so bright as if it was calling and drawing me closer.  With a deep sigh and breath, I said yes, I am ready.  Please help me to trust you where I seem to lack trust.

I would then find myself now kneeling down at the beginning of the worn bridge in not only worship, but repentance, and intercession.  I was placing some of the nuggets I would pick up along the way, to find the tools I would need to evaluate and repair the bridge in front of me.

It got quiet for a few moments as he left me prepare and ponder, my response to his request.  He had something else to share, but this time a bit more of a warning.  “Remember I said only some will be willing to come so far into my presence?  They miss so much of my goodness, healings, and miracles, provisions, and peace that are found by surrendered obedience to my request of coming closer into my intimate presence.  Those that are willing to allow me to remove the old broken planks of demonic spirits, addictions, and sins are allowing me to help them fix this broken bridge that draws them closer into my intimate presence.  It’s not an easy or preferred journey, but necessary in order to be drawn closer to my heart and your head on my chest as you listen to my heartbeat for you.  Unfortunately, some prefer to only go so far and are afraid to leave their familiar and comfort of their old ways.  It saddens me that they will miss all the best things I have for their life.  Where I call you will not be easy, but I promise my presence never leaves, and better awaits the closer you come closer to me.  Are you still willing to come closer, even when it is painful?”

Yes, I am!  Show me the beauty in the process of the worn boards and rusty spikes.  Remind me of the beauty that always continues to rise from the ashes.  Remind me of the dust you use, with the living water of yourself you use to form a beautiful vessel.  Yes, I am ready.  I know that if I slip and fall you will pick me back up and put me back on the bridge that leads me closer to you.