The narrow gate and the broad place.
"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.” Matthew 7:13
“He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me.” Psalm 18:19
Think about a spacious place where a rich and sumptuous party is being given in your honor. You are the prized guest and no expense has been spared. To enter this lifelong blessing can only be accomplished by entering through a very narrow, tiny gate. No backpacks, luggage, or carry-ons can be squeezed through the its opening.
This broad place of abundant, superfluous living is Jesus’ grace. The narrow gate is Jesus Himself and the only article easing us through is faith in His finished work on the cross. No worry, no fear, no having to be control, no I-can-do-it mentality, or effort on our part is allowed. Only a mustard seed of faith (if we even have that sometimes!) can fit through the gate. Faith in Jesus and Jesus alone, is the only thing we can carry through.
It’s time to stop thinking this Christian walk is up to us; it is time to lean fully into His grace, knowing He will complete what He has started in each of us. What’s our part? Believing ruthlessly what He has already done.