“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, (zōē: the absolute fullness of life, which belongs to God) and there are few who find it.” (Matt. 7:13-14) It’s important for us AMY, to know that we cannot improve on God’s purpose for us. GOD IS GOOD. He loves us so much more than we could ever know. He wants the very best for our lives. He has a ‘wonderful road’ ahead for us and to He desires for us to, “TRUST in the LORD with ALL YOUR HEART; do not depend on your own understanding (our own ability to reason). Seek His will in ALL YOU DO, and He will SHOW YOU which path to take.” (Prov. 3:5-6)
How will He show us AMY? Remember how Saul (Paul) was blinded on his way to persecute Jewish believers? God wanted him to be healed. “Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” he said, “Here I am, Lord.” So the Lord said, “Arise and go to the STREET called Straight and inquire at the HOUSE of Judas, for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And has seen a man named Ananias coming to heal him.” Ananias said, “Lord, I have heard about this man, how much harm he has done…But the Lord said, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine.” Ananias entered; laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he RECEIVED HIS SIGHT AT ONCE; and HE AROSE AND WAS BAPTIZED.” (Acts 9:10-18)
Ananias had no idea where to find Saul so God SPOKE TO HIM what house on what street. “Call to Me, and I WILL ANSWER YOU…” (Jer. 33:3) “…you shall call, and THE LORD WILL ANSWER; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘HERE I AM.’ “ (Isa. 58:9) When we do this remember what Jesus said: “The thief does not come except to STEAL, and to KILL, and to DESTROY.” (John 10:10a) The devil will attempt to steal our confidence that we can hear the Lord, he will try to kill our faith, and destroy our relationship with God!!! Thankfully the King of Kings says, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more 1ABUNDANTLY.” (John 10:10b) 1perissos‘: over and above what is necessary.
-Bill Stockham