Narrow the Way & Steep the Path

This week I walked from Whitby towards Runswick Bay along the Cleveland Way. The views were grand and the sunshine welcome. Although I had a weak right foot which kept intermittently insisting on making me limp, I managed the nine miles there and back. Yet to enjoy those wonderful coastal views, a steep ascent had to be made. At one point, the ‘steps’ were more akin to rock climbing. That little chorus entered my head:

When The Road Is Rough and Steep-

Fix Your Eyes Upon Jesus;

He Alone Has Power to Keep-

Fix Your Eyes Upon Him.

Jesus Is a Gracious Friend,

One On Whom You Can Depend,

He Is Faithful to The End:

Fix Your Eyes Upon Him.

The road to heaven is narrow, steep and often a hard climb. The road to hell is broad and gently descending, while wonderfully well-trodden and popular. Do not mistake the difficulty of the climb for the poverty of the destination; the best views must be earned by sore feet and a panting chest. A life pleasing to the Lord and which concludes in His presence is one of denial, sacrifice and unpopularity.

Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:14 NKJV