The Narrow Road of Affliction...

You know…we all long for an easier life that is free from pain and heartache; but in this life, we don’t always find that. It’s not because Jesus doesn’t love us; but rather, it’s because He has a plan, to make us more like Him and sometimes with this process of building us up and refining us; we must go through the fiery kiln of affliction.
 
Today, as I was thumbing through my Bible…looking to see what God would have me to share with you today…He led me to a couple verses, in Matthew 7:13-14, which reads… “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow
the road that leads to life and only a few find it.”
 
One thing I have come to see in my own life, while facing years of deep pain and heartache; is that these difficult moments we face can make us feel as if we are walking around a very narrow mountain road. As we walk around each difficult curve in the road, we begin to wonder if we will make it…but the more we call out to God for help; we find that the journey doesn’t seem as difficult…and with time, we find that we begin to trust God even more…for every difficult step we take…steps that will eventually walk us into heaven.
 
On the other hand…if we were to choose an easier road…life may not seem as difficult; but at the same time…what are we learning…and are we growing spiritually? Even though this road may seem like a breeze…compared to the narrow one; we eventually find that this road never led us anywhere but down and distant from God.
 
Our lives on this earth may not always be easy and we may grow tired of the struggles we face; but for every difficult step we take…through every battle we face, on this narrow road…we find with time that it was worth it all, as we enter a place…for all of eternity; where there will never be any pain, heartache or sorrow again.
​