On a windy drive a gust nudges the car. A text lights your phone and tugs your eyes off the lane. Push and pull. Your attention is tested. You’re learning to keep a steady hand on a narrow road between two ditches. This is life with God in a world that wants your gaze.
Jesus called it a narrow road. One ditch whispers “anything goes.” The other insists “earn it all.” Grace without truth in one. Truth without grace in the other. The way is not wide, yet it is good. Stay close to Jesus and the ditches lose their pull.
The enemy also works the push and pull. He pushes hurry and fear and isolation. He shoves with illness, disappointment, and crisis. He lures with glamour, ease, comparison, and quiet compromise. His aim is simple: snatch the seed before it roots.
God meets us with a holy push and pull. He gently urges us toward light: repent, forgive, tell the truth, return to prayer. He draws us into belonging. The Father leads us to Jesus. The Spirit comforts and convicts. With every temptation He provides a way out. Sometimes that looks like powering down the phone. Sometimes it’s a text to a friend for prayer. Often it is the quiet choice to walk with Jesus again today.
Know this: you are not stuck. Christ stands ahead and calls you on. He reveals the way and renews your will. Take one step with Him now. Keep to the center, between the ditches. Lift your eyes. Jesus ahead.
Read: Matthew 7:13–14; John 10:10; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 John 2:15–17
Matthew 7:13-14 —
13 “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. 14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
John 10:10 —
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
1 Corinthians 10:13 —
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
1 John 2:15-17 —
15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
Reflect: Today, what is one small step that will keep you centered with Jesus when you feel pushed or pulled toward a ditch?
Based on the sermon, “Push and Pull” by Pastor Russell Gibbins, Jr.
