Crossing the Bridge of Faith: The Power of Four Elements

An old bridge above the flowing river | Photo by Fabien TWB from Unsplash

A bridge is a structure that connects and links people from one place to another. In this contemporary time, building a bridge means livelihood and economic growth because it is a gateway to opportunities and progress. In crossing a conventional bridge, you would encounter boulders of rocks, tons, and gallons of water, experience the sun’s scorching heat, and a strong force of air that will test you for how strong you are after everything. Nevertheless, it involves four elements: water, earth, air, and fire.

In the scriptures, crossing the bridge of faith works the same way. Yareni Beltran’s Building Bridges Made in His Image, a spiritual book a guide to Christian faith, will help you navigate to the bridges of faith and understand your identity as a Christian. With the help of the four elements, crossing the bridge of faith is just a few steps away.

Element: Water

The first thing that would describe water is it is life. It is flowing, ever-changing, yet eternally present, sustaining every life form on Earth. What’s unique among all its characteristics is its fluidity or the ability to fill up space and take its form. People can learn that water has a sense of adaptability, a skill required to survive the rapids of conflict and streams of setbacks in life.

The Elixir of Life

In the passage of the Bible, water symbolizes purification, cleansing, and renewal. We saw the renewing power of water as early as a child through baptism. In the New Testament, baptism takes on a deeper significance. It symbolizes the spiritual cleansing of sin and the rebirth into a new life in Christ. As Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, so too are Christians baptized to signify their spiritual cleansing and renewal.

“Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.

–Acts 22:16

As children, we have already started to take a step in crossing the bridge of faith without knowing it. Baptism is the first step of knowing God. This is the beginning of receiving salvation.

Other passages proved the cleansing power of water

I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.

– Ezekiel 36:25

But how will you make it further?

Element: Earth

To make it further, you have to pass through Earth. Of course, it is an essential component, a key element in crossing the bridge of faith. This is where you live and wander your life. When Earth was created on the third day, God knew that it was intended to be inhabited by humans and made it their home.

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

– Psalm 24:1

The verse implies that we are no one’s possession but God. Showered by his mercy and grace, living according to his ways is a grateful way of giving back. But lurking temptations among us disrupt the walk through his way.

Diamond in the Rough

Like one of the components of the Earth, we’re diamonds, but in the rough. God perceives us that way,  like a diamond in the rough: sinful and unpolished but can shine in a given time. God forgives you and gives you unlimited chances because he sees the good in you. He knows that you can shine as you accept him as your redeemer. He will set foot back on Earth to stand and save you.

I know that my redeemer lives and that in the end he will stand on the Earth. –Job 19:25

Element: Air

Now that you’re halfway there in the bridge of faith, there’s no turning back. This is where it gets challenging. Facing the forceful and fierce wind is inevitably part of the journey.

But will you survive it?

Air is an important element that most species need to survive. This gas surrounds us and, at the same time, also sustains life just like water. The air we breathe makes us live. Even though it cannot be seen, it is a powerful force capable of gentle caress and destructive fury. While being the breath of life, it can take away life through its devastating force.

The Breath of Life

24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.

25 “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

– Luke 8:23-25

The passage from the scriptures suggests a lesson worth applying in life. As you walk to the bridge of faith, there will be storms accompanied by gusting of the wind. Sometimes, these are just too strong, and you’ll feel like you’ll be swept away. But the word of God, the bread of life, can save you.

Have faith and believe in God through the storms of life. In trying times, trust him with all of your heart. This way, the storms of life will not sweep you away but your fears instead.

After this point, you’ll realize that the journey to cross the bridge of faith is draining. Indeed, it was, but it was a worthwhile experience. However, this might lead you to lose the spark to go on.

Will you still have the fire to continue? How will you make it to the end of the bridge of faith?

Element: Fire

Saved by the Fire

In the scriptures, fire is God’s fiery way to test people.

If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

-1 Corinthians 3:15

The passage gives light to material possessions or earthly belongings being incomparable to the love of God. These possessions will be burned and lost. In a positive light, those who own it will be saved by the fire.

This reminds people to give importance to what truly matters the most: our faith in God. Do not be consumed by the shine and shimmer of precious treasures, for His love is unmatched by any treasure here in this world.

In its own way, fire can also purify and renew, just like water. It may consume everything on its way, but it can help start anew. From the ashes, you can rise and take balance on the power of fire in your heart. Don’t let them burn you. Use it as your light to your path.

Now, you’ve finally crossed the bridge of faith. Challenging as it seems but making it to the end is rewarding. The power of the four elements will make it fulfilling as you make every step of your way.

Bridging the Gap and Crossing the Bridge of Faith

Building Bridges Made in His Image by Yareni Beltran is an uplifting and purposeful book. By securing a copy, the book might help you strengthen your faith and bridge the gap in your relationship with God. Get a copy by clicking here!