Throughout the summer, scores of people enjoy the thrill of riding roller coasters. But when life seems to be a roller coaster, it’s not so much fun. Twists, turns, tunnels, the ups and downs of everyday life…sometimes there seems to be no end to the stress and struggle. How are we to trust God through the difficulty and uncertainty? Does He know what we’re going through? If so, where is He, and does He care? 

 In his book, Trusting God, Jerry Bridges says that “if there is a single event in all of the universe that can occur outside of God’s sovereign control, then we cannot trust Him.” But we know according to His Word that we can completely trust God. Trust in God is not founded on our feelings but is a matter of our will. Bridges states that our will is based on belief, and that belief is based on God’s Word. 
​
 One of the Scripture passages most read during  difficult times is Psalm 23, and that psalm gives a wonderful picture of our relationship with God. We can trust God because He is our Shepherd. God provides what we need when we need it. So why worry? He is the One Who is in control, even when we cannot see Him at work.

 Encouragement means to go to one’s side, to solace, to comfort, a giving of support, confidence or hope.

Can we find any comfort or encouragement in Christ? Paul states this to the believers in Philippi in Philippians 2:1. God has given us encouragement and comfort. John 14:16-18 and John 15:26 tell us the Lord has given us a Comforter – the Holy Spirit. He convicts us of sin, illuminates, instructs, cheers the hearts of God’s people, and lifts up those that are bowed down. He is there and helps in meeting the needs of our heart. Many times the encouragement or comfort we get from the Lord is not exactly what we want, but it is what we need.

Let’s face it, as leaders we need encouragement also! Sometimes we find ourselves in a situation where the Lord can use us to be a blessing to others. Here is a true story that I hope will encourage you.

Bridging the Fence

Once upon a time two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. 
It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing
machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch. 

Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding 
and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange 
of bitter words followed by weeks of silence. 

One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days work" he said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there. Could I help you?" 

"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek 
at that farm. That's my neighbor; in fact, it's my younger brother. Last week 
there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite

me, but I'll do him one better. See that pile of lumber curing by the barn? I want you to build me a fence - an 8-foot fence- so I won't need to see his place anymore. Cool him down, anyhow." 

The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and 
the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you." 

The older brother had to go to town for supplies, so he helped the carpenter 
get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. 

The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge-a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work handrails and all-and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming across, his hand outstretched. 

"You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done." The 
two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder. "No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother. 

"I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, but I have many more bridges to build…

Author Unknown

Keep building bridges with the people around you. God has placed you right where you are for a specific purpose! Don’t forget that “your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” Keep your eyes on Him.

 1Cor.15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”