“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
“Help her to walk the narrow path,” I prayed to the Lord. As quickly as I had begun praying for a sister in the Lord, I sensed from the Spirit of God my prayer was done. I had prayed for her already a few times, and again then. That God would help her make a decision, and that He would help her walk the narrow path. I knew virtually nothing about her besides that she could use prayer, so I prayed what I believed I discerned from God’s Spirit. A prayer that despite decades of praying, I had never prayed before – for anyone. A prayer that had perhaps been inspired by a recent sermon I’d heard. A prayer that more than anything I believe had been directed by God’s Spirit. A prayer I realized immediately afterward bore a message.
How often do we pray for people’s happiness, well-being, health and welfare, comfort and peace, a new job or house, a relationship or marriage, healing, blessings, financial provision, good things and good times, freedom from addiction, safety, release from prison, for their salvation most importantly, for good news, etc.? So very often, don’t we? But how often do we pray God would help someone walk the narrow path? I had never prayed that before. Clearly His Spirit was leading me.
And is there anything more important besides praying someone is saved by God from sin, death, hell, and the lake of fire, and given a forever relationship with God instead, through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, than that God would help us walk the narrow path?
The wide path is for the world seeking pleasure and living for itself, following the world’s ways with the devil at the lead. Self-consumed. Sin-consumed. Worshiping false gods. Worshiping itself. Its face turned to wickedness; its back turned to the Lord. The narrow path is for Christ’s followers. It’s a hard, hard place to walk. Self-denial. Death to self. No to sin. Yes to Christ. Facing rejection, hatred, persecution for living counter culturally. Living by the Bible. Striving to do what’s right in God’s eyes amid a world licking its chops over doing wrong. The narrow path can be grueling on the flesh. And lonely. So unpopular it is to seek and follow God in an evil-ridden world. Oh, but the incomparable, undeniable, unfathomable love and joy of Christ, of ever closer forever fellowship with Him, when we walk the narrow path! Such strength we need to turn away from this world’s temptations and walk the narrow path with the magnificent, glorious Lord instead. Help us, oh Lord, to walk the narrow path. In precious fellowship with you for always!