I've noticed that we are often faced with two roads to travel on in life. One road looks easy and is filled with shiny and enticing things, which suggest they will satisfy our needs and wants. This road appeals to our senses and looks like a shortcut to happiness, but it often leaves us feeling empty and frustrated, leading us down paths we were never meant to follow.
The other road is full of promises, blessings, and holds treasure not found in the things that the world and the other road tries to entice us with. This road takes courage, commitment and being prepared to take the road less travelled, but reveals amazing hidden things and mysteries as we embark upon it a step at a time.
Jesus pointed out these two roads. He said, "Enter through the narrow gate because the wide gate and broad path is the way that leads to destruction—nearly everyone chooses that crowded road! The narrow gate and the difficult way leads to eternal life—so few even find it!" (Matthew 7:13-14). One is wide, easy, and heavily travelled, but it leads to emptiness in the end. The other road is narrow and unpopular, but you'll find what you're looking for.
Next time you face a crossroads or have a decision to make and need to know which road to take, stop, assess and pray for God's leading and wisdom. It's the best road rather than the easiest route, and it will lead you entirely in the way God's word instructs you to go?
Because hasty decisions, shortcuts, or where you are enticed onto a path can cause you to miss the mark and the abundant life God has planned for you. Better to do things God's way, run your race well and receive the prize.
Jesus said, "Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with sure-fire, easy-going formulas for a successful life that can be practised in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life – to God! – is vigorous and requires total attention. (Matthew 7:13 The Message)
"Don't you realise that in a race, everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step? I am not shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should." (1 Corinthians 9:24-26)
Prayer: Lord, please help me have wisdom as I walk through my day and recognise which road I need to travel on. I want to choose the best way, and I ask for your strength to do that today. In Jesus name Amen.
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