Take the Hard Road

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 BSB

In an article posted by WGN-TV yesterday, it was reported that Five Chicago area endurance athletes were chosen to participate in an event known as the “Super Bowl” of running – the grueling Western States 100-mile Endurance Run in California. The race will take place on June 24 and 25 on a 100-mile course that starts in Olympic Valley, California, and finishes in Auburn, California. The race is a physical and mental test for runners who follow a trail that “climbs more than 18,000 feet and descends nearly 23,000 feet,” according to Western States website. The conditions can range from snow and windchills to rain and extreme heat. Participants gain entry by completing a qualifying race. Anyone who qualifies is then entered into a lottery with only 369 runners chosen each year. That means only a very select few of the most hardcore and dedicated runners will ever get in to this iconic race

And you know, when it comes to being one of a select few to get in to something worthy of the effort it takes to get there, the Bible tells us that "wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it." That means there is only one way to eternal life and only those who believe in Jesus and are wholly dedicated to following Him (something that's becoming increasingly harder in a world where it's not popular) will spend eternity with Him. But let me assure you... taking the narrow road, the road that's exponentially harder to walk, will be worth it in the end. 

So make the decision to follow Christ no matter how difficult or unpopular it is to do so my friend. You'll reap the benefits both now and in the life to come. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there is only one way to You and that's through your Son, Jesus Christ. Cause us to remember that choosing to follow the world might grant us comfort and recognition in this life, but it will disqualify us from being one of the few that will spend eternity with You in heaven. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!