Real Hope: RevivalSample

Building Bridges

I love the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I try to visit Australia every couple of years, and I always make it a priority to walk the long expanse and look out at the Sydney Opera House and the skyline of one of my favorite cities.

I’ve noticed bridges can be beautiful and ornate or simple and practical. But, at their root, they all serve just one purpose: to make a path to the other side.

I often hear Christians talking about “building bridges.” In other words, they are developing relationships with people so they can one day share the hope of Jesus. They’re building that connection because they care deeply for the person and want them to know the peace found in a relationship with Christ.

It doesn’t matter how much is invested in building a relationship, though, if the “bridge” is never used for the intended purpose – to cross over to the other side by faithfully delivering the Good News of Christ’s love.

Romans 10:14 says,

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (NKJV)

In this case, you – like the one building the bridge – are the preacher, the messenger. You’re the one who is burdened for your friend and sharing the hope you have. So how do you do that? How do you cross the bridge you’ve spent weeks, months, or years building?

First, pray. Don’t forsake this initial step above all else. In Colossians 4:2-3, Paul writes,

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains…” (NKJV)

We should pray continually for our friends that God would soften and open their hearts to the truth of His love.

Second, look for opportunities to introduce the conversation. Consider the story of the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. Jesus took an everyday occurrence – fetching water to quench thirst in the desert heat – to introduce her to the “living water.” If you are looking for opportunities and are sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, you may be surprised by the doors opened to you.

Finally, cross the bridge. Share your faith and the hope within you. Be deliberate, not afraid or timid. Be prepared and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you with the words you should say (Luke 12:12). Understand that your friend may not begin a relationship with Jesus immediately. Perhaps, though, they will be like the Samaritan woman, who – after hearing of the “fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14, NKJV) – couldn’t keep it to herself, running into town to share this amazing truth with everybody who would listen!

My friends, it doesn’t matter how much time, money, expertise, creative talent, or effort goes into building a bridge if that bridge is never used for its purpose. While a physical bridge like the one spanning Sydney Harbour serves an important role in transportation, the bridges we build to reach the lost have an eternal purpose. Don’t miss the opportunities God provides to cross over and share the hope of Jesus in a struggling and dying world!

Written by WILL GRAHAM

Want more? Check out the Real Hope Conversations Podcasts, where Will Graham delved deeper into the topic of Revival. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.