“Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:14).
This verse follows “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it” (Matthew 7:13). The phrase that stood out to me as I read today was “difficult is the way”. It seems we are focused on the narrow gate and the wide gate and often miss the part which tells us the way is difficult.
This is a place I have witnessed many lose heart in their walk with Christ. They find the narrow gate, but when the road becomes difficult, they fall away. They have believed a lie that tells them once they are in Christ life becomes easy. When, in truth, life is still hard, but the Spirit gives us perseverance, discernment and so many gifts and promises to carry us through the difficulties.
Our job, as believers, is to trust, obey, and employ the fruit of the Spirit, as well as the gifts He gives us to sustain and carry us through our difficulties. It is a time to lean into Him, not walk away.
How do we do this? We begin with daily personal devotions. Get into the Word of God and learn who you are and Who God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are to you. Learn who they make you to be when you walk in step with them. Spend time in prayer listening for God’s voice and practice steps of obedience to what you hear Him saying to you. Also living in fellowship with other believers and being committed to a church will all enhance your walk and strengthen in these difficult times.
Scripture does say, “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). Life is good and life is difficult on both sides of the gate. On one side of the gate, you are on your own. Once you step through the gate, which is Christ, you have God Most High on your side. You have the Holy Spirit sent to help you (John 14:16). You have access to the very throne of God in heaven from which you might seek help (Romans 5:2; Ephesians 2:18; 3:12; Hebrews).
“Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9). “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).