A paradoxical truth: The Way is easy to miss, but not hard to find.
—
When I say “The Way,” I mean a genuine, authentic walk with the Lord.
An inward change resulting from a real encounter with the Living God.
A death of the old and a birth of the new.
The Most High coming to make His abode within you.
Not a religion, but an abiding.
How can this miraculous salvation be both easy to miss and not hard to find?
—
It is not hard to find because the Lord is not hidden. He is near those who call out to Him in truth. He’s standing at the door of your heart knocking. The kingdom of heaven is at hand, and He desires that all come to repentance. We live in the acceptable year of the Lord – a time of grace, favor, and redemption.
I love the analogy given by F. F. Bosworth when he likens the Lord’s love to how it would be if the vast Pacific Ocean were elevated high above us. The water would press downward, looking for any crevice that would open to it and any outlet to pour its ocean tides through.
In the same way the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth searching for a loyal heart He can show Himself strong towards.
—
However, The Way is also easy to miss because it requires your spirit to be in proper alignment with His Spirit, and it is far too easy to be a degree (or several degrees) off in either direction. One must learn His voice because the many counterfeits will mislead, and sadly the greatest deception is often self-deception.
The Way requires repentance – a deep turning from the world, from sin, and from self. There are battles from without and battles from within to overcome.
Being in The Way requires trust, surrender, faith, release, and death. Prices many are unwilling to pay.
—
But, it’s hard to miss because once one TRULY turns to Him, he stands victorious based on Another’s battle; he stands forgiven based on Another’s blood; and he sits enthroned based on Another’s Name.
He simply receives.
—
Easy to miss, but not hard to find:
So how does one know if he’s found it? How do you guard against being deceived? How do you know you are in The Way?
I believe the answer is found in four ways…
- Time in the Word. Not just reading with your mind in order to gain knowledge, but reading with your spirit in order to gain life. Allowing the cleansing, transformational work deep inside as the God-breathed Scripture teaches, reproves, corrects, and trains in righteousness.
- Time in prayer. Not just the eloquence of a learned-man with lofty words, and not repetitious words void of authenticity. But an opened, transparent heart in the sifting presence of your Maker. Learning His voice and being taught His way. A pouring out of self and a receiving of Him.
- Time with true believers. Allowing others to see you, know you, and be close enough to point out inconsistencies. Seeking iron to sharpen you and counselors to help guide you. The enemy’s lies lose power in this kind of light, and so does hypocrisy.
- Time examining self. Asking yourself: Am I different today than I was a year ago? How about a month ago? Am I repulsed by sin? Are there inward signs of life and outward signs of fruit? Is there a desire for growth and a hunger for Him? What am I turned towards? Does my King glory in the song within me?
—
Salvation – sadly so easy to miss, but thankfully not hard to find for the diligent seeker and true worshipper.
“Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6