Friday July 19, 2024
Matthew 7:14
“For the gate is narrow and the way is hard
that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
Jesus does not conceal the fact that the gate is narrow. To get through it, therefore, is not easy.
Therefore also it is an unspeakable joy to have passed through the narrow gate. I wish you success, you who have chosen, you who have cast your lot, you who have taken life’s most decisive step.
I know, of course, that this is not all. Begun is not done! But, after all, to have made a beginning is of decisive importance. Those who do not make a beginning upon the narrow way naturally can have no hope of reaching the goal.
Yes, you who have entered upon the straitened way are fortunate!
But remember that it is the way that is your good fortune. Your walking upon the way brings you more sorrow than joy. You are often ungrateful and unhappy, often unwilling and slow, often tired and discouraged. Oftentimes you look back, yes, are on the verge of turning back. Many times you stumble and fall; and sometimes you lie there rather long before you rise again to your feet.
All this makes you feel ashamed and sad; in fact, you are often in despair.
You wonder if any one who stumbles again and again as you do will ever reach yon beautiful shore.
Sit down by the wayside a little while today, notwithstanding it all, and thank God because you are on the straitened way, that the Lord has been permitted to preserve within your heart that sincere spirit which is willing to face sin and is willing also each day to be driven to the cross of Christ.
Arise and proceed on your way with courage. But walk carefully! Do not make the straitened way any broader than the Lord has made it.
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 
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