Through The Narrows

For many of us, this year has been one of great trial, adversity, pain, purifying fire, and assorted challenges beyond most of the previous years of our life. Yet there remains a Promise… a Vision that the Lord had placed in our heart… We continued to press forward, though it felt like we were getting more and more weary…..

“Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, 
for in due time we will reap, 
if we do not become weary.”
Galatians 6:9 NASB

“Therefore, we do not lose heart, but though our outer person 
is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day.
 17 For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.” 
2 Corinthians 4:16, 17 NASB

Early this morning, in the 4th Prayer Watch, the Lord spoke to me very clearly, and this is what He said from the Book of Luke:

“Strive to enter through the narrow door; 
for many, I tell you, will seek to enter 
and will not be able.”
Luke 13:24 NASB

I immediately went to the Greek, as the Holy Spirit put an emphasis on the word “strive” to enter the “narrow door.” Many will actually seek to enter… But will not be able??

The Greek word, Strong’s # G75, is the word “agonizomai” from which we get the word agony. It is actually an Olympic term the Apostle Paul used frequently to describe what kind of effort (and reward) one might receive for their persistence.  Here is what the word means:

Look at this word being used elsewhere in Scripture:

²⁴ Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only
 one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win! ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games, exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath (The Victor’s Crown), but we for a imperishable (Crown). ²⁶ Therefore I run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way, as to avoid hitting air; ²⁷ but I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NASB

²⁹ “For this purpose I also labor, striving according to His power which works mightily within me.” Colossians 1:29 NASB

¹² “Epaphras, who is one of your own, a bond-servant of 
Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings, always striving earnestly 
for you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and
fully assured in all the will of God.” Colossians 4:12 NASB

¹⁰ “For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have 
set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of 
all mankind, especially of believers.” 1 Timothy 4:10 NASB

¹² “Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life 
to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
1 Timothy 6:12 NASB

⁷ “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, 
I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is reserved for me 
the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, 
will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to 
all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7, 8 NASB

Genuine FAITH is a fight! So be smart! Wage a good warfare! All of this agony is not for nought! Many who “seek” to enter and remain in the competition – are ultimately overthrown by the adversary who seeks to shipwreck your FAITH! Others disqualify themselves. But not you!! You walk on the Narrow Road!

That word “Narrow,” which is “stenos” in the Greek, is from the base word Strong’s G2476 and means:

You are an Overcomer! And this is that which overcomes the world…. even our FAITH! Your FAITH is more precious than gold! 

May the Lord refresh you this very hour, as you continue to walk down the Narrow Road! You will reap mightily, in this world, and the world to come! 

Today (and always) let’s truly offer up to our Precious Lord, a heart of sincereThanksgiving, for all He has done, and all He will do. The road is not easy, but He chose you in the furnace of affliction, because He knew…. You would remain, abide, trust, and obey! 

As I was pouring my heart out to the Lord, and lifting up the business Jesus had commissioned me to steward… I made a sincere statement to the Lord amidst all the turmoil, pain, hardship etc. I said to Jesus:

“I am going persevere, and I am going buildthis Company into a mighty Kingdom work.” I was shocked when the Lord abruptly interrupted me – and spoke this word to me AUDIBLY!!

“NO your not… I AM”

The Narrow Road

The wide pass leads to destruction,
And lots of people will walk on it,
But the road that leads to life,
Is narrow,
And only a few will find it,
Jesus, please, let the people,
Who listen to this,
Walk on the Narrow Road,
And find God in their hearts,
AMEN

Let me walk with You on the narrow road
I know it may get lonely, but I know I'm not alone
I'll seek You in the wilderness, I know that's where You are
You whisper like the breeze, You're speaking to my heart
You say...

The wide gate looks so beautiful, but destruction is its end
Go against the stream, my friend
And stand where angels fear to tread…

At Your feet I lay my crowns
With my tears I sow into those who will one day
Know the glory of the Narrow Road…