Again and again and again!

Last Oct, my car was sideswiped by a semi on the Ambassador bridge as I crossed from Windsor to Detroit on my way to work. Because of God's hand on me I was not injured but my car was totalled. As you can imagine, it was very difficult for me to go back on the bridge. That night, as I listened to some classical music with nature sounds in my bed, the following happened:

An open, green expanse. It is steep. The grass is green, bright, glistening in the sun. The sky is that beautiful rich blue with big, fluffy, white clouds. There is warmth yet the breeze is refreshing. Jesus and me - we are walking. The mountain peaks tower above us, the valley far below. We have walked a way along this vast slope. The sound of rushing water - a mountain stream coming down. The water sparkling in the light. The water rushing around the rocks. Fear envelops me. "Are we crossing that?" It's a long way down. The rocks are wet and slippery. "Yes." Jesus says. "Do you trust me?" I look again. The fear is great. My heart pounds in my chest. My brain screams "I can't." My heart softly says "I want to." Jesus says, "Come." He steps out confidently placing His sandaled feet on the rocks. The water rushes over them. He reaches out His hand. The nail scars are there. I gingerly take hold. His grip tightens. He is willing me to come. I can feel it as I look into His eyes. My heart now feels like it is about to jump out of my chest. My breaths are fast and shallow. I step out. His firm grip pulls me along. One step...two step... The water sprays on my shoes and pant legs. Six step...seven step... He pulls me across the final rock. My feet are back on solid ground. The relief floods through me. I am safe once more. Then Jesus says "Again." I say, "Are you kidding? Not again." He persists. "Again." I step out again. His firm hand pulling me along. Again and again and again. We go back and forth across that stream. Each time my confidence grows. Each time my fear lessens. Again and again. Then I am running across. Back and forth. Jesus stands and watches me. He is laughing. Such release.

And so, that is how I got back to crossing the bridge. Sometimes, small waves of fear come when I am coming around that same curve with a semi beside me - but I see Jesus and the fear passes. What are you afraid of doing right now? Reach out, grasp that nail scarred hand that Jesus is reaching out to you. Feel the strength of His grip. He will bring you through. Keep trusting. Soon you will find that great relief. You will feel the joy of Jesus as the relief floods your soul.