13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy[a] that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. (Matthew 7:13-14 ESV)
It is easy to consider the good and successful life to be a hallmark of being faithful. However, how would we have looked upon a Paul who was imprisoned for the strong faith he displayed. No, the closer we are to God the percentages go up on just how hard our life might be.
Most do not want to hear that; the gate is narrow and the way is hard. We want to equate peace and safety to living a faithful Christian life, but that may not be the case.
You can also look at it this way. If life is too easy then you are probably not really much of a threat to the enemy. Remember he hold sway over this earth and much of what we see happening is all part of his lies and schemes.
No, our lives on the faith path toward the narrow gate may be fraught with difficulty. This can be especially true when we are making our biggest strides for Christ. This is not the time to give up, it is the time to press forward, take the hard way that leads to life.
Reflect on: How your life’s ease or difficult may point to your effectiveness for Christ.
