Are there any Star Wars fans out there? I grew up watching Luke, Han, and Leia battle evil, and more recently I’ve enjoyed watching the Mandalorian series. For those not familiar, the main character chose a lifestyle with a certain code and whenever a choice was before him, he would say, “This is the way.”
What I love about this statement is that it removed any doubt about what needed to be done. He knew the path because he learned the way from those before him. As the series progressed, he did learn that he needed to know more about how the way came to be before he continued on it. He needed wisdom that came from knowing and understanding who he was following.
Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
According to Jesus, the Way isn’t a set of rules to adhere to but a person to follow. Jesus is the way of truth and life. To follow Jesus is to walk a narrow path guided by the footsteps of our King. We can see His footsteps as we read the Bible, and we can walk with Jesus daily by following the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
John 14:26
We take this journey through life with a friend and guide who gently teaches us the way. We are not left alone to wander aimlessly through life but have a loving Father who walks with us. The Teacher wants to be known; He doesn’t hide behind a mask, but extends His hand to us and avidly searches for His children.
We can be thankful we have such a diligent Teacher because the way is challenging. Finding the gate can be difficult and having the courage to enter can be daunting. Following Jesus can sometimes even be lonely.
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
Matthew 7:13-14
There are few who walk the narrow path, yet Jesus calls us all to follow Him. The good news is that if we are following Jesus, we are never walking alone. He goes before us and lives within us. God is ever present and ever mindful of our needs, our hurts, and our progress. The narrow way leads us closer to God, and along the way we become who He created us to be.
The way may be narrow, but in my experience, narrow paths lead to great adventures. We see beauty we would have missed zipping by on highways, find peace in the stillness and presence of God, and discover hidden treasures. The way of Jesus leads to life, truth, peace, and fulfillment.
Our individual narrow path will be as unique as our fingerprints. No two paths are the same. God has given each of us unique skills, dreams, desires, and personalities. He shows us how to use our uniqueness to honor and glorify Him.
As we learn the way, we begin to understand how to make decisions. We learn to trust in God’s wisdom and rely on His counsel. When we come to a crossroads we can either see a clearly marked sign “This is the Way,” or we might need to be still and listen for God to whisper, “This Way.” Not all junctions have a clear sign.
“Should I walk out of the restaurant without paying?” – “Thou shall not steal” Clear and easy.
“Should I seek a new job?” – No roadside verse for this one. It depends on our individual narrow path and is time to seek God’s counsel through prayer. Listen closely and you’ll hear Him whisper, “This is the way.”
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
This is the way to make difficult decisions. Ask God for direction and thank Him in advance with confidence that He will answer. And that answer will be full of God’s peace even if you don’t understand the why or how of a situation.
Wherever you are, whatever decision you are facing, know that God is there with you. He has already prepared the path and is walking with you. He knows the way because He is the way.
Keep following, keep trusting, keep listening for that still small voice to whisper, “This is the way.”
Want to receive an email when a new post is created? Sign up for notifications here.
I want to follow Jesus! How do I get started?
“This is how we know that we live in Him and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.
1 John 4:13-15
If you are ready to join the family of God, simply believe and ask. You can choose your own words or pray the prayer below. God hears your heart, simply confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and let the Spirit lead you.
“Father, I want to be yours. Forgive me of my sins. I believe that you sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die in my place. I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior and thank you for the gift of salvation through Him. I invite the Holy Spirit into my heart and surrender my life to You. In Jesus name, Amen.”
Feel free to spend time just talking to God and sharing your heart with Him. Let Him speak to you and listen as He leads you forward into new life. Welcome to the family.
Need to talk or have questions? Feel free to reach out and contact me.