Matthew 7

     “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

     What does the narrow road look like? What does it feel like? How can you tell if you are walking on it or on the broad one?

     My take: If your flesh is crying out and lashing out because you are not satisfying it - then I think you are headed away from the broad road. Why? The narrow road is rough. The narrow road is less traveled. The narrow road is quieter.

     The broad road includes lots of noise. There are TONS of people traveling on it so why wouldn't it be noisy. As some say, "Busy isn't always better."

     Why is it harder to quiet ourselves down or simply stop ourselves in the midst of hard work? I think about Daniel who stopped his day three times so that he could pray. He literally pushed the "pause button" on his business and tasks and told it what was most important: God. The LORD was truly His LORD, and because He was not ashamed to call God his God, God was not ashamed to call Daniel his. God protected Daniel and gave him everything he needed - interpretations, protection from lions, wisdom.

      If you are having more time in the Word of God, meditating on His ways - less on things that gratify and satisfy the flesh - then you are traveling more on the narrow road than the broad road. If you are having more time in prayer - less on the worries and cares of the world - then you are traveling more on the narrow road than the broad road. If you are having more time praising and thanking the LORD - less on the proud fashions of the flesh - then you are traveling more on the narrow road than the broad road. If you are having more time concerned with what God cares about - widows, orphans, those needing deliverance, those needing help - justice and mercy - less about your small world, your selfish ways - then you are traveling more on the narrow road than the broad road.

     May God give us all eyes to see and ears to hear what He is saying in this hour. May God give us the grace to endure and overcome. May God give us the desire to travel on the narrow road - following hard after our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.