March 23, 2005
Encouragement for Today
The
Micca Campbell, Director of Outreach, Speaker
Key Verse:
Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it.” (NKJ)
Devotion:
In an emergency, you only have a split second to make the right decision. There is no time to think it over, list the pro and cons, or discuss it with a specialist. There is no “take-two,” do over, or second chance. You have to make a choice, and then, live with the result.
Hundreds of people in
As the shocking news came across the airwaves and into my home, I watched with deep sorrow, as some had time to make decisions, while others were not so fortunate and were sent to a watery grave. Though the tragedy was far away, I could feel their pain.
One evening, my family and I gathered around the television to watch a television special about those who had survived. As the death toll continued to rise, it was comforting to hear the testimonies of those who had escaped death. Each one reminded me of God’s faithfulness and provision in the midst of tragedy. One man’s story revealed this truth to me more than the others.
During the interview, the man could barely contain his emotions. He first spoke of how the people scattered like frantic mice, running in every direction, when the giant wave attacked. Then, I listened intently as he told the journalist about the wide road that led upward and out of town.
“Most of the people follow that road pushing and shoving one another as they tried to escape. It appeared to be the logical choice.” He humbly testified. “I was about to join them when I noticed one man running in the opposite direction. He was a native, and he was headed toward the village by way of a narrow path. Instantly, I called to my family, and chose to follow him.”
With only a moment to decide, the man chose to follow the road less traveled. By taking the narrow path, he and his entire family were saved.
Like this man, the Bible speaks of two different roads. All people on the face of the earth choose to follow one of these roads, whether they are conscience of it or not. They either follow the broad way or the narrow way.
The wide road is the most favorable. It is considered the “easy street.” This road has an abundance of company. It is familiar, comfortable, and appears to be the most logical way. Yet, the disadvantage is… “It leads to destruction.”
As for the other road, it is narrow, difficult, and solitude. Taking it is the first step toward relinquishing your self-efforts, relying on your own understanding, and sacrificing your own plans in order to fulfill God’s plans. The advantage of this road is that it leads to life, both now and forever. If you look closely enough, you can see a man, God’s Son, standing on the path faithfully calling, “Follow Me, I am the way.”
Today, as the wave of sin and rebellion attempt to drown you, the Lord is there, providing a way of escape. Two roads lie before you. Time is short. You need to make a decision. As long as you stay on the wide road, destruction will follow. Choosing the narrow path leads to life. Today is the day. Now is the time. Which path will you choose—life or death?
My Prayer for Today:
Dear Lord, I have traveled the broad way too long. I know that You are calling me to follow You. Today, I choose the narrow path. I’m not sure what’s ahead, but I know that You are with me. Thank You for providing the way through Your Son to eternal life. I accept Your life as I lay mine down. Amen.
Application Steps:
Write down on paper everything that kept you on the broad road. Now list the benefit of each of those things. Did anything on your list provide the life, peace, joy or purpose that the narrow road does? If not, toss them away and never return.
Reflection Points:
Which roads do you most travel, the broad or the narrow?
What are your reasons for the road you choose?
Do you believe that God is faithful to lead you to life?
Will you trust Him today over your own understanding?
Power Verses:
Proverbs 14:12, There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. (NKJ)
Deuteronomy 30:19, I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; (NKJ)
Psalm 32:8, I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shall go; I will guide thee with mine eye. (NKJ)
Psalm 48:14, For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even unto death. (NKJ)
Proverbs 31:3, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct they path. (NKJ)
Additional Resources:
Radically Obedient Radically Blessed, by Lysa Terkeurst
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/radical.html
Becoming a Woman Who Listens to God, By Sharon Jaynes
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/womanlistens.html