Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult is the road that leads to life, and few find it.   Matthew 7:13-14 HCSB

This is just one of the passages where Jesus tells us following Him is not always easy. Sometimes it’s hard to follow Jesus. It’s hard to follow Jesus when we are suffering. It’s hard to follow Jesus when we are being accused unfairly or when we are being persecuted for following Him. We live in a world where evil is all around us.

Jesus said in Matthew 10:21-22, “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will even rise up against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of My name. But the one who endures to the end will be delivered.”

Jesus never promises us great rewards here on earth, He promises us great rewards in heaven. He says in Matthew 5:11-12, “You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

It’s much easier to go along with the crowd. We must spend our time with like-minded people. I’m not saying we should shun those who are lost and hurting, I’m saying we should share our testimony with them and give them the hope that is found in Christ. But if they reject that, we must tread carefully. We are told in Galatians 6:1 that if anyone is caught in any wrongdoing, we who are spiritual should restore them in a spirit of gentleness. Paul then goes on to say we must keep watch over ourselves, lest we be tempted.

It’s easy to try to help someone lost in sin but be careful they don’t drag you into their sin. If you have tried to help someone and shared the gospel and your testimony with them, but they reject it, move on. You have planted a seed and you should pray someone else comes along and waters it.

Following Jesus won’t always be easy. But we must remember that our sufferings here on earth are temporary. Our final reward awaits us in heaven. We will experience times of great blessing, but we will also experience trials and temptations. We must stay strong. God provides armor for us to withstand troubled times. In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul explains the Armor of God. We must suit up daily and be prepared for any battle we may face.

When we do things our way, the road seems like a wide freshly paved highway. It seems smooth and easy to travel. But it leads to destruction. When we do things God’s way, it often seems like we are on a narrow bumpy road filled with potholes. This narrow road leads us to eternal peace and joy.

Our Scripture passage warns us of this. Jesus tells us we will be persecuted for following Him. It’s not all rainbows and lollipops. We will face storms and trials along the way. But we will have Jesus to fight for us. We will have Jesus walk with us through the fire and the flood.

You will find it much easier to navigate the narrow road and get through the narrow gate if you continue to follow Him. He will make the way for you. He leads us home.

He wants to lead us to a place where we can rest and rejoice and worship and praise Him for eternity. He wants to lead us to a place where we will suffer no more, we will mourn no more, and we will cry no more (Revelation 21:4). He stands before you with His hand outstretched. Won’t you join Him?

When the road gets rough and your faith is shaken, know He is right there with you. You may be going through a time of testing or a time of discipline, but either way, He’s got you. Trust in Him and be obedient to Him.

When it’s hard to follow Him, just stay focused on Him (Matthew 6:33) and He will take care of all you need.

Have a great day!