Narrow Way

For my sister Barbara, 
who thanked our mother every year on this day for giving her life.

Your faith inspires me every day. 
Thank you for supporting me on this journey.

Happy Birthday.
I Love you.

7/7/2020

Matthew 7:13&14 “Enter ye in at the strait gate…because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way.”

“The Christian life is gloriously difficult, but the difficulty of it does not make us faint and cave in, it rouses us to overcome. Do we so appreciate the marvelous salvation of Jesus Christ that we are our utmost for His highest?”   ~Oswald Chambers

My sister Barb certainly knows that living the Christian life is gloriously difficult. It always astonishes me when, as she experiences some kind of profound emotional or physical pain, she always says, “I am offering it up.” She never lets any personal struggle stop her from caring for those around her. I marvel at the depth of faith she has to trust and release all to God, although, she certainly had a very good teacher. Our mother, before she went to her heavenly home, used to say a similar thing, even after she suffered a debilitating stroke that left her paralyzed and in constant pain. When I would ask her how she could tolerate such suffering and still maintain her love and kindness towards others, she would just say, “After what Jesus suffered for me, I can certainly suffer through this.” Our mom would actually look at other people around her and feel blessed that she still had the use of her mind. Remarkable. Both of these humble women of faith share this immense strength. Just like our mom, my sister loves and cares for everyone around her, even through all of her suffering. Amazing grace! 

To say that I have felt blessed by these two godly women being such a big part of my life would be an understatement. My mom and I would have wonderfully long and winding conversations about the love we both had for Jesus, and His love for us. It is also something that Barb and I have been doing more and more. While our different faith-bases may not align on all the fine details, we have truly come to a place of “In essentials unity, in all else grace.” (Reg Dunlap) That one essential being Jesus’ atonement on the cross for our sin, and His magnificent saving grace. 

The fact is, we will all encounter difficulties in this life; it is then when our true nature is revealed. Will we be found wanting, or walking with God on the narrow way? Will we pass the test? Will we cave in, or be roused to overcome? Will we strive to give our utmost for His Highest?