PATHWAYS

The straight and narrow path which takes us to God’s heavenly home may be difficult at times. For this coyote, however, it wasn’t hard to find the path to my compost pile. Wily coyote savored my leftover food. May you savor God’s Word and presence through His Spirit as you keep to His perfect path. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES by Sally Bair

Eyes on the Road

One year, my twin sister and I decided to celebrate our birthday together in a northern Michigan cabin. Unused to the Upper Peninsula snowbelt, we met, celebrated in an uninsulated cabin, and left for home in a snowstorm. My sister, headed back to Lansing, made it across the big bridge just before they closed it to further traffic. My trip west required total concentration. I dared not let my gaze waver or take my hands off the wheel for a second, or I’d have been in the ditch like other vehicles I saw.

The narrow path became harder and harder to see. Snowplows and school buses driving kids home early were about the only vehicles on the highway. Increasingly anxious and cautious as the slushy snow piled up, I debated stopping at a motel midway home. But if I turned off—out of my narrow driving lane—I might spin around and get stuck in the ditch. Hours later, I arrived home exhausted but safe. Never since have we celebrated our December birthday together in the Northwoods.

Sometimes life paths seem treacherous, too. When the going is easy, we tend to veer off and enjoy the scenery, so to speak. That can cause us trouble if we give in to the temptations of illicit, immoral, or illegal behavior. Many things can tempt us to take our gaze off our path—things such as pride in ourselves, overindulgences, or fear.

God doesn’t promise us that the going will be easy. In fact, Jesus says, “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, because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

It doesn’t take much to veer off God’s straight and narrow course. Keeping our eyes on His path can be difficult, but He promises to help us. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for … My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Thus, while it is difficult, relying on God will make it easier.

God wants us to keep our eyes on His path, because “His way is perfect. The Word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” (2 Samuel 22:31)

Lord, help us to keep our eyes on Your narrow path even when it’s as hard to navigate as a vehicle in a snowstorm. In Jesus’ name, amen.