Monday 27 August 2007

Big Bog 2

Over the weekend, I briefly talked about Big Bog State Park with an unnamed friend. You can read a little more about the park in the previous posting.

Big Bog State Park boardwalkAs you can see, there is a nice boardwalk through the bog. This new boardwalk is about one mile long.

My friend immediately rejected the idea of walking that boardwalk. She would become claustrophobic and might stray off the wide walkway and sink a little bit.

Individually, and in general, I see how people sometimes feel that way about Christianity.

They doubt they could stay on the "straight and narrow". So why try at all?

But, the whole idea of the gospel is precisely that. We cannot stay on the straight and narrow on our own. We are all tempted. And we all give in to temptations from time to time. The "good news" is that the Holy Spirit is willing and able to help us do what is pleasing to God. And the blood of Jesus covers the sins of those who are repentant (willing to change their ways).

We are all weak. We are all bent towards straying. We all naturally resist doing things God's way. But the good news is that we have a helper and a way out to please God despite our failings.

The "narrow way" is an invitation to something better. It is not an impossible dream or a threat. With God's help, and only with his help, it is entirely feasible. The possibilities are limitless, if we continue to let God take control and show his power in us and through us.

The narrow way can seem insurmountable based on our own strength and past experiences. But, if we let God show his power, it suddenly becomes "doable". And the demonstration of his power can continue to grow as we get out of the way and let his kingdom/kingship/rule come into our lives and situations.

Don't let the impossible stop you. God is bigger than your doubts and whatever else may be holding you back from a reconciled relationship with him. The path awaits. Will you take a step or two down the narrow path?

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