Page 23 - The Gate and the Way

saints. He stated that Christians are constantly delivered over to experiences of death to the
natural Adamic life that the life of Yahshua can be displayed in us.

II Corinthians 4:8-11
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;
persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about
in the body the dying of Yahshua, so that the life of Yahshua also may be manifested
in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for
Yahshua's sake, so that the life of Yahshua also may be manifested in our mortal
flesh.

If mankind is left to determine his own path through life, he will invariably choose a
way other than that which God has determined for him. Most Christians choose an easy
path, avoiding trials, suffering, loss, and persecution wherever possible. The entire body of
teaching known as “the prosperity gospel” has arisen from the soul of man as it seeks
comfort, abundance and pleasure above all else. Although such a doctrine is highly
appealing to the soul of man, it will lead no one to maturity in Christ. The path that leads
to life is afflicted, not one of uninterrupted comfort and blessing.

Matthew 7:13-14
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads
to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and
the way is afflicted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

As I look back on the past 12 years of my life, after having yielded to follow Christ
wherever He would lead, I observe an afflicted path. There is no better way to describe it.
Yet, it has also been a path of tremendous grace. The Lord of life has walked with me the
entire way. I am confident He will continue to do so. Like Paul, I want to finish my course
with joy, knowing that there is a reward awaiting that is so far surpassing any of these
“momentary, light afflictions” as to be beyond comparison.
People of God, if you do not accept the invitation of Christ to “Come, take up your
cross, and follow Me,” you will never arrive at the glorious inheritance that awaits those
who walk as overcomers. Can we not embrace momentary afflictions now to receive a far
surpassing inheritance in Christ? As the apostle Peter put it, Yahweh has determined that
we suffer “for a little while,” but the end He has in mind for His sons and daughters is
glorious.

I Peter 1:6-7
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you
have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more
precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to
result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Yahshua Christ...

I Peter 5:10
After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to
His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish
you.