I recently told you that my 16-year-old son Kedar got his learner permit, and he loves driving. He practices daily and is doing incredibly well—so well, in fact, I forget that he’s only been at it a short while.

Yesterday, I was in the car with him while he was practicing. When we turned down one particular street, he asked me, “Why is this road so bumpy?”  

I explained to him that Buffalo’s freezing temperatures in the wintertime create bad roads. What starts out as a small crack in the asphalt turns into a big pothole, because water pours into it and freezes. Water expands in its frozen state and enlarges the opening. On top of that, vibrations created by cars rolling over those open spaces make them even bigger while adding even more cracks. Then, when the sun comes out and thaws the water, it drips deeper into the ground, re-freezes, and the process starts all over again. The next thing you know, a smoothly-paved road turns into a bumpy, raggedy road that’s riddled with cracks and potholes.

In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus talked about two different kinds of roads: one broad and one narrow. He said, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Jesus shared these words during his famous Sermon on the Mount, where He gives people the option of choosing the “narrow road,” meaning salvation by faith in Christ, or the “broad road,” meaning the false religion of self-righteousness. Jesus made it clear that keeping religious laws and traditions and trying to obtain perfection through works is not sufficient. This path leads to destruction, and many follow it.

However, those who place their hope in Christ alone, because they realize that nothing they could ever do would satisfy the debt of sin, are walking on the narrow road. This road leads to eternal life, and few find it.

Aren’t you grateful to be among the few on this spiritual, narrow road?

Although, in the natural, the road of life is sometimes rocky, and struggles get hard, when you are walking the narrow road, and your foundation is Christ, you are able to stand and endure. You find assurance in knowing that Christ the Savior has given you eternal life in the hereafter and abundant life in the here and now (John 10:10).

After I explained to Kedar what created those unfavorable road conditions that disrupted the smoothness of the ride, he understood and kept on driving. And that’s what you have to do. Accept the fact that unfavorable road conditions in your life will shake you up on occasion, but keep on driving anyhow. Keep on pushing. Keep on moving forward. Keep on expecting favor. Keep on believing the Word. Keep on confessing God’s promises. Keep on keeping on. If you don’t quit, eventually, you’ll turn a corner and discover a new road, one that is paved and smooth.

Friend, your turn will come soon. Things will get better. Some good things await you in 2020. The One who has secured abundant life for you will honor your faith and perseverance. He will reward your faithfulness. He will bless you because you didn’t give up hope in the day of adversity.

I don’t know what your road looks like right now, but as long as you are on the narrow path, you can’t go wrong. Through all the twists and turns, the ups and downs, the bumps and bruises, the outcome will be the same: you will be victorious. And one day soon, you will turn a corner.

To encourage you, I’m stirring James 1:2-4 ESV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

As you drink down the contents of your cup, don’t let the rough times get the best of you, because rough times don’t last, but the promises of God do. His word never fails, and He promises that if you endure, a reward awaits you on the other side of trouble. Hold on. Again, your turn is coming soon. Believe it and expect it.

Now, let’s pray.

God, I have hit some bumps in the road, and my path has not been smooth, but I put my hope in You alone. You are my salvation, my strength, my deliverer, and my rock. In times of distress, help me to persevere so I can receive what You have promised. I believe my life is turning a corner, and You are working things out for my good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you desire prayer, please allow me, along with my intercessory prayer team, to stand in faith with you for breakthrough. We would be so honored. We have seen God work over and over again. There is power in agreement. Click here to request prayer now.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!