Faith Builds When Bridges Burn

Burning bridges is walking on in obedience when all around you is obscured with the exception of a limited view of the faint path before you. In 1969 a friend and I participated in the Crusade of the Americas by preaching in the West Indies and in Venezuela. While preaching in rallies in Caracas, Venezuela, the group I was with stayed in the Sheridan-Humbolt, a beautiful hotel situated on a mountain ridge over 4000 ft. above the city of Caracas, Venezuela. It could only be accessed by cable car—a phenomenal experience.

On one occasion, we were returning to the hotel after having been on a lower level of the mountain—at the cable car station. A cloud had settled over the city completely hiding it, leaving us above it on the ridge. Everything on either side of the narrow ridge, on which was situated the path on which we were walking, was covered by the cloud. We could only see the path and a few feet on each side plus a short distance behind and before us. As we walked forward the way opened up before us through the cloud. That is a beautiful picture of what it is to walk by faith. It is going on when you can see nothing on either side and only a limited part of the walk before you.

I had received an invitation to go on that trip but, due to the fact that I was in full time evangelism and had no support base, I immediately pigeon-holed the letter not thinking I would have the funds to go. My friends were by for a brief visit a couple of months before the departure time. They asked if I was going. I indicated that I wouldn't be able to due to the lack of funds. They then asked me the fatal question: 'Have you prayed about it?' I had to answer, 'No.'

The Lord then reminded me of a promise I had made to Him when I entered evangelism. I had prayed: 'Lord, I will go anywhere you ask regardless of geographical location, size of the circumstance and financial considerations if you will open the doors, supply the financial support that my family and I need, and perform the works You desire through me when I go.' I was convicted of my neglect and the fact that I should do that particular ministry.

I immediately called, agreeing to go. I had no money and the whole idea was further complicated by the fact that we had a baby due to be born while I was to be gone. I prayed much about all the projected problems but the Lord wouldn't let me off the hook. Finally, the coordinator for the trip called wanting my part of the money. I had to reply that I didn't have it. He asked how I had intended to pay for it. I replied that I was trusting God for it. He then surprised me into faith by saying: 'I will believe God with you and put it in for you. You can pay me back when we start the trip.' Now I was committed. My bridges were burned. The money ultimately came in from my home church the DAY I LEFT. God cut it kind of close! (By the way, our baby was born three weeks early—full term and is a big strong policeman today!) I was able to leave my wife and all of my children (six, with the new one) in good condition with God providing wonderfully for them while I was gone.

Faith requires unconditional commitment to obedience and the taking of steps of obedience, one at a time, even when you can't see where to put your foot! I am always somewhat reluctant to share about faith in this sense due to the fact it can motivate the immature to act impulsively rather than out of obedience. To act impulsively is a presumption on God to which He doesn't usually respond favorably. Faith is to know and to hear the voice of God, taking steps of obedience, and standing when the way seems blocked, refusing to go back, determined to go on.

Regardless of what your need is, go to God's word asking Him to speak to you through it. He has a word for every need. Much of the time it will require you to act when you see and feel nothing but conviction. God will always meet you at that point leading you through to His victory for your life as you burn your bridges behind you.

Jeff

• Jefferson H. and Norma R. Floyd, CO-directors • Jubilee International • P. O. Box 572 • Noblesville, IN 46061