13 “Enter through the narrow gate.(J) For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.  

Matthew 7:13-14(NIV)

For several months now I have been chewing on a couple of verses.  One of them is Matthew 7:13-14 the other is 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. One is Jesus telling us to go down the narrow road that leads to Life and the other is Paul telling us to run with purpose in every step.

While running our trail system this morning here at the MOA property in MO those verses kept coming to my mind.  We have two trails that course through the property.  One is an inside trail that is fairly wide and the other is an outside trail that is narrow.  Both of these have rocks and obstacles along the path.  The wide trail is easier to just run and not have to worry to much about the trail.  There are still rocks along the way but I can focus a ways up the trail and not have to focus as  much on the path right before me.  The narrow one on the other hand causes me to be very focused on every step or I will hit a rock, possibly stumble and either get hurt or at best get knocked off my course.  Therefore, the faster I run the more focused I have to be.  I think life is much the same.

This year I am more determined than ever to not only take the narrow road, but to RUN the narrow road.  I believe time is of the utmost importance and I will not be disqualified by not running with purpose in absolutely every step.  The lost are dependent on the bride of Christ running their race with purpose, perseverance, and power.  Everyone has a race to run so... get ready, get set, GO!   

Lord, may I run with purpose in every step. May my focus be on Jesus the author and perfecter of my faith.  And as I run may I not be running aimlessly, but focused on each step before me so that I might not be disqualified for the prize!

Shelby Nold

Majestic Outdoor Adventures