The Narrow Way

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14

I'm entering a stage of life when many of my friends are having babies. It's wonderful! The gender reveal, ultrasound images, the child's first steps, hearing "mama," and the preciousness of holding a sweet little one are amazing. But the supernatural and joyous adventure of raising a baby isn't always easy. The journey comes with many hiccups, learning curves, sleepless nights, tears, and smelly things...But if you ask any loving parent if the struggle of raising a child is worth it, the answer is absolutely yes.

What's our answer when following Jesus gets hard?

We can all ponder our answer. But let's instead focus on what Jesus answered when given the most challenging assignment: bearing the weight of sin.

"Not my will, but yours be done, " He said. Despite having zero desire to suffer, His answer to the cross was, "absolutely yes." Why? What led Jesus to endure mocking, betrayal, abuse, hatred, and crucifixion? What stirred His heart in such a way to humble Himself and submit to the Father's plan radically and perfectly?

His child.

"For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

You are the joy set before Him. Fellowship, unity, and oneness with those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God and confess that He is Lord. Just as a newborn baby is tied to their parent, so are God's children unified with Him when we're reborn into the Kingdom.

If I'm being honest, I often find myself journeying the narrow road with the Lord Jesus and being surprised that it's not easy. I'll ask, "Is there any other way? " Western society teaches that the road of life involves making money, having a successful career, having a romantic love story, living in pleasure, buying a home and a car, and the list goes on.

Let's be real. The more I follow Jesus, the more I realize His road and my road look very different. AND by His mercy, He leads me down HIS path, not my self-seeking one. As I take steps of obedience and search for His presence, I realize the more we travel down this road, the more of His Spirit is required in tandem with continued crucifixion of my self-will. Oh, what a joy it is to live free and surrender to His plan daily.

Sin, the lust of the flesh, pride of life, and fear of man (performance) are demolished on this road. Fear of the Lord and the likeness of Christ Jesus are built on this road. There are often hills, turns, twists, bumps, and breaks on this road. But it all leads to a place—His presence—and it all cultivates the life, the beautiful garden of His image, within.

My encouragement to you is this...If you're wrestling to find hope on the less-traveled road, take heart. Fix your eyes on Jesus by bathing in His Word, leaning fully on Him, resting in Him, and learning to listen and obey by His Spirit. Shake the dust off when you try to perform your way to His presence. Come before Him with repentance, lay your heart out before Him, praise Him in faith, and cling to the cross. Entrust everything to this sanctification and refinement process because the reward is sweet. The reward is more of Him.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Jesus let us know that times would be troublesome. But He gave us the answer to it all. HIM. It's not my worthiness, self-righteousness, or performance that leads me to joyfully endure this road. It's about keeping my eyes on Jesus and enjoying His presence, safety, love, faithfulness, and totality in every circumstance. The more we look at Him and seek Him, the more we become like Him. Come to Him like His child, for such is the Kingdom of heaven.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, I give everything to you today. Teach me to trust you and walk in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Everything needed for the journey is found in you, through you, for you. Forgive me when I try to walk this life alone, in my strength. I hand over my performance and put all my life, including my expectations, on the altar and give them to you. I love you, Jesus. Burn my heart to love you back.