The Narrow Road
I am reborn, made new, so why do I still struggle? Why am I still battling the same issues I faced before?
This question has been echoing in my mind all night as I lay here, wrestling with my sinful thoughts. Since my baptism, I've experienced a spiritual high and the peace that Jesus promised. Yet, there are moments when I feel the enemy tugging at my soul, tempting me to revert to my old ways.
As I lay here, I am faced with two choices. I can take the narrow road, the road less traveled (Matthew 7:14), standing firm in His teachings and resisting my flesh. Or I can succumb to the enemy, giving in to my sinful desires.
Although I am confronted with the same sins, now it is different. This time, I am not alone. I am armed with His Word, which reminds me that the enemy is lying so I should lean not on my own understanding or desires, but on God (Proverbs 3:5). And how great of a God He is! “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all” (Psalms 34: 18-19, NIV). I imagine Him holding me in His arms tonight and whispering in my ear, “You got this”.
I am reminded that God doesn't promise us an easy path. In fact, friends, He promises trials and tribulations. He tells us plainly, "Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Mark 13:13, NIV). This verse lays out exactly why this road is less traveled. But He also promises that He will be there, fighting for us, loving us through our imperfections, and hearing our cries.
So tonight as I struggle with my depressing thoughts, I look up to Him for my strength, because “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalms 23:4, NIV). Tonight, that is enough to pull me out of those thoughts, get me out of this bed, and live a life for Jesus and not myself.
I am reborn. So, I choose not to go back to my old ways. I choose to take up my cross tonight, die to myself, and honor Him by putting Him above all else.
He sees you, He is for you, and He is the way – the only way.
