Scripture Reading: James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

We have all heard the expression: “You can’t cross a bridge until you get to it”, or “I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.” These often-used expressions have to do with worrying about things before they happen. This fills life with frustration: “What if I fail?” or “Suppose something goes wrong?” Some people, even as Christians, find it difficult to break the “bridge crossing” attitude. It robs them in their peace in Christ. John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Fear is a major reason why people “cross bridges” prematurely. II Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Some folks live with an anxious spirit. Paul said, “Don’t be anxious about anything, but by prayer and supplication make your requests known to God.” Pessimism is another cause of premature “bridge crossing”, always expecting the worst.

A lack of faith in God and His word … Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Worry is at the heart of many early “bridge crossings”. Matthew 6:27-29 “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” How do we break the habit of premature “bridge crossing”? We must acknowledge that we have the problem. Matthew 6:32-35 “For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Psalms 55:22 “Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Trust God’s power and wisdom. Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding.” Believe that God will help you cross the bridge if you should come to it. Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” Philippians 4:11 “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Psalms 139:7 “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” May we all practice living in the present time.