Eyes on JesusSample

I would go hiking a lot during my childhood and there were many trails on the mountain I would frequently visit. There were easier trails than others, and they were marked with difficulty markers. One path in particular was the most challenging, but it took you to the top of the mountain and allowed you to see over the whole valley in a beautiful landscape. I witnessed many starts on this path but would only go so far and turn back.

There are a lot of parallels with the Christian journey and hiking; just read Pilgrim’s Progress. Jesus called following him the “narrow road.” Many will not make it to the end of the path that goes to the Father. Many start on the right path only to abandon it. Some go along easier paths, not wanting to be challenged at all. And some just stay at home altogether, allowing apathy to overcome them. 

Jesus never promised that the journey would be easy, but He did promise it would be worth it. There are hills and valleys in our path—good times and bad. What is important is that we do not give up. We should rely on those who have walked the path before and have the wisdom of the trails, like our pastors, elders, teachers, etc.

The rebellious Christians stumble on the right path because they want it to be easy! They think that they are on the wrong path because of the trials that await them instead of persevering and being obedient to the Word of God. 

Discernment will cause us to make the right decisions even if they are not easy and even if there is no immediate reward in making them. If we take the option off the table as to quitting or following another path, then there is no other choice than to persevere and make it up the narrow road!

Reflect: Do I find joy in the things of God, or are they a stumbling block to me? Am I committed to the narrow path regardless of the obstacle? Pray for strength as you travel down the narrow path.