Slippin’ Through the Turnstile
I hope you are enjoying the Girlfriends in God daily devotions. We (Mary, Sharon, and Gwen) would like to introduce you to some of our special friends. From time-to-time, the Friday devotions will be written by one of our friends in ministry. We call them our "Friday Friends." So grab your Bible and a fresh cup of coffee and drink in the words from our "Friday Friend",
Leslie Nease.
Today’s Truth
Luke
Friend to Friend
Jesus' words in the above verse make me wonder: Just how narrow is the door and why does He say that?
I once read something about the narrow way being like a turnstile. You can only enter one at a time - not in groups. Salvation is a personal decision, one that is made by an individual. Just because the ones around you have chosen to follow Jesus doesn't make you are a Jesus follower, too. When you go through a turnstile, you have to leave your things behind. No room to carry baggage with you going through one of those things! Same as going through the narrow door to salvation - we must leave everything behind to follow Jesus.
The Greek word that was originally used in Luke 13:24 for “narrow” is "thlibo” which is the same word used for tribulation, trouble, affliction and distress! It was used to describe the persecution the disciples and apostles experienced and has the same meaning as the word "throng" which was used to describe the angry, religious crowds who opposed Jesus Christ as He went around preaching, teaching and performing miracles!
No wonder few are able to enter the "narrow" door. Behind that door is a life of tribulation, trouble, affliction and distress! Who in their "right mind" would want to enter a door like that? I tell you something, only a right mind would! We are so sure that comfort and a life free of any tribulation is the best way. God says that's not true.
God does say the way is tough, filled with tribulation, trials and all that stuff we try to avoid - but He also says "I will never leave you or forsake you" as each trial produces endurance and faith in our lives. (James 1). The Lord promises peace, joy, love, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5) when we enter through the narrow door and into a relationship with Him. Those are some serious benefits - ones I’d say far outweigh any persecution or tribulation that could come our way.
It might seem crazy to the world to enter through a narrow door that is leading to a life of troubles and tribulation. The truth we miss in all of this is that the tribulation and troubles that are on this side of the turnstile also exist on the other side of it! However, those trials are going to be experienced without the joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, self-control, faithfulness, love, and kindness that God provides to those who drop their baggage and slip through the turnstile into His loving arms.
Remember, Jesus said: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world".
Let’s Pray
Father, thank You so much for showing me the truth in Your word! I pray that I will continue to seek You alone and not the comforts of this world. Thank You for your patience, love, goodness, gentleness, joy, peace, self-control, kindness and faithfulness and thank You for giving me those spiritual fruits through Your Holy Spirit once I slipped through the turnstile and into Your loving arms! I pray I will continue to learn how to exercise these fruits so I can grow to know You more and to be used by You in mighty ways! In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen
Now it’s Your turn
- If there is someone in your life who is afraid to “slip through the turnstile”, will you commit to pray for them daily.
- Ask God to reveal to you if there is any “baggage” that you are trying to squeeze in through the narrow way. If there is something you are holding onto, remember it will slow you down on your journey. Pray for grace to let it go.
- Thank God for your trials! He trusts you with them and He will use them for His glory and for your good and the good of others. Praising God is the doorway to peace and joy – and that is one door wide open!
More from the girls
Things are not always what they seem to be, are they? When it comes to God and His ways, logic and common sense take a back seat to faith. I know you are facing some kind of trial today. Stop. Take a deep breath. Place that trial in the hands of God and trust Him to lead you through it, walk with you in it and use it for good in your life. For resources that will encourage and equip you on your life journey, check out our store:
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Originally published Friday, 11 April 2008.