I took a walk across an iron bridge at our chaplains’ conference this week which sits high above the Texas hill country. As you walk across the bridge, you can look out and behold some beautiful scenery of God’s creation. Of course you can also stop and look down and grow uneasy, uncomfortable, and even scared as you see through the bridge and focus on the ground so far below. I have heard stories of some who have become so uncomfortable and scared that they turned around, refusing to cross the bridge. This results in them missing out on a great hike, some beautiful scenery, and enjoying a time of sitting in the shade by the river.

As I contemplated these things, I was reminded of the time when Simon Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on the water toward Christ. As long as Simon Peter kept his eyes on Christ, he was fine. But when he looked down and noticed where he was and what he was doing, he became uncomfortable, he stopped moving forward and he began to sink. Naturally, the Lord reached out and took Peter’s hand and rescued him.

My walk across the bridge reminded me of these scriptures and the importance of having the right perspective and the right focus in life. We are blessed in an abundant way when by faith, we refuse to let our discomfort dictate our steps but choose to continue moving forward, keeping our eyes on God’s goodness, His Grace, and the beauty of the relationship we have with His Son.