Ian and the Bridge of Truth
It was adventure day in Safari Forest, and Ian was excited!
Ms. Rose had planned a treasure hunt, and the Kingdom Kids were following clues through the forest.
Ian loved figuring things out. He was always asking questions, studying clues, and thinking about what might happen next.
“According to my calculations,” Ian announced, stretching his long neck toward the treetops, “we should find the next clue just beyond that bridge!”
Sophie laughed. “Your calculations? Ian, we're following paw prints!”
“Well,” Ian replied with a grin, “very scientific paw prints!”
Everyone giggled.
But when the friends reached the bridge, Ian stopped.
The wooden bridge stretched across a shallow stream. Ms. Rose had already checked it and explained that it was safe to cross.
Ian looked at the bridge.
What if I trip? What if I lose my balance? What if everyone gets across except me?
He took a step backward.
“I think I'll stay here and study the situation,” Ian announced.
Sophie tilted her head. “Ian, you've already studied it three times!”
Ms. Rose walked over.
“Ian, what are you thinking about?”
Ian sighed. “I know you said the bridge is safe, but I keep thinking about everything that could go wrong.”
Ms. Rose sat beside him.
“Ian, do you remember what God's Word tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7?”
Ian nodded slowly. “God hasn't given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”
“That's right! And what does having a sound mind mean?”
Ian thought carefully.
“Does it mean I can think clearly?”
“Yes!” Ms. Rose answered. “God has given you the ability to think, learn, and make wise decisions. You don't have to let every thought tell you what to do.”
Ian looked toward the bridge.
“So just because I thought about falling doesn't mean I'm going to fall?”
“Exactly,” Ms. Rose replied. “You can look at what you know is true instead of agreeing with every possibility your imagination creates.”
Ian stood a little taller.
“Okay! Let's see what I know.”
He began counting on his hooves.
“One! Ms. Rose checked the bridge.”
“Two! My friends have already crossed safely.”
“Three! I know how to walk carefully.”
“And four!” Ian declared, lifting his head. “God has given me a sound mind!”
Ms. Rose smiled.
“That's using the wisdom God has given you!”
Ian walked toward the bridge.
He took one careful step.
Then another.
And another!
Before long, he reached the other side.
“I DID IT!” Ian shouted.
Timmy raised his trunk. “Of course you did! We've been waiting for our official bridge inspector!”
Ian laughed.
“Well, I am pleased to report that this bridge has passed inspection!”
The friends burst into laughter.
But Ian had discovered something even more important than the next treasure hunt clue.
God had already given him a sound mind. He didn't need to let imagined possibilities make his decisions. He could think clearly, use wisdom, and move forward standing on God's truth!