Big Winds AN AMAZING FACT: Many wanted to build a bridge to connect San Francisco to Marin County. San Francisco was the largest American city still served primarily by ferryboats. Experts said that a bridge couldn’t be built across the 6,700-foot strait. It had strong, swirling tides and currents, water 500 feet in depth at the center of the channel, and frequent strong winds. They also said ferocious winds and blinding fogs would prevent construction and operation. When construction began on the Golden Gate Bridge on January 5, 1933, Joseph B. Strauss, chief engineer, was adamant about using the most rigorous safety precautions in the history of bridge building. Hard hats, not commonly used, with glare-free goggles were specially designed for workers. Special hand and face cream protected the workers against the constant biting wind. The most conspicuous precaution was the safety net, suspended under the entire floor of the bridge from end to end. During construction, the net saved the lives 19 men who became known with affection as the Half-Way-to-Hell Club. Weather conditions have closed the bridge three times: December 1, 1951, because of gusts of 69 mph; December 23, 1982, because of winds of 70 mph; and December 3, 1983, because of wind gusts of 75 mph. Jesus’ disciples once found their lives at risk because of strong winds while sailing across a lake. “As they sailed … a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy” (Luke 8:23). But the winds did not stop Christ from sleeping in the boat. “Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm” (v. 24). Experts said a bridge couldn’t be built across a deep channel of sin and raging winds. But Christ became a bridge to heaven. Jesus laid down His life that we could cross over in safety to a better land. I’m glad our Lord didn’t listen to the experts! KEY BIBLE TEXTS But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him! - Matthew 8:27
Posted on: Sun, 07 Jul 2013 18:19:26 +0000