A string and a bridge

June 19, 2007

By Gary Rogers

The Niagara River is about 35 miles long and includes Niagara Falls on its course. Three international bridges cross the river between New York and Ontario, Canada: the Peace Bridge at Buffalo, N.Y., the Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls, and the Niagara River Bridge between Lewiston, N.Y., and Queenston, Ontario. The total drop in elevation along the river is 326 feet.

The Niagara Gorge extends seven miles downstream of the falls and includes the Niagara Whirlpool where you can buy a ticket and ride over it in a jet boat with two 500 horsepower engines. It’s a blast!

When constructing one of the bridges to span the river the challenge was to get the heavy cables across the raging waters. The workers began by flying a kite. They tied a thin string to the kite and were able to span the river and extend the line to workers on the other side. The string then was used to pull a rope across the torrent.

After the rope came a small cable, and then finally the huge suspension cables were pulled to the other side. Once the massive bridge was completed and heavy traffic was being supported by its unquestioned stability, it was hard to believe that it began with a thin string carried by a kite.

“Who despises the day of small things? Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel” (Zechariah 4:10, NIV).

This was the word of the Lord given to encourage Zerubbabel in the construction of the second temple after God’s people began returning from exile. There was the possibility of discouragement setting in and the massive project being seen as too great to be completed. The Lord wanted to encourage Zerubbabel in recognizing that great things accomplished have small beginnings.

It is so easy to become discouraged and lose sight of a personal God-given goal when we look at how small the beginning seems in comparison to the end desired. We must not lose heart! If a small string across a raging river can lead to a massive, strong, stable bridge, then don’t minimize what appears to be an insignificant beginning in your life. Stay faithful! Maintain your goal! Don’t let comparison with the end result cause the beginning to seem unnecessary!

Gary Rogers is senior pastor of First Assembly of God in Coweta, Okla.