Narrow and Beautiful

Sister Rose was stopped at the gate of heaven, and confusion filled her face. “What is going on here?” she asked. “My name is Sister Rose Agatha, the General Choir Director of the Association of Christian Choristers in my country. What do you mean I’m not qualified to enter?” The angel looked at her calmly. “I’m sorry, ma, but the gate has been shut against you. Many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). She felt offended. “Sir, with all due respect, you must be mistaking me for someone else. I served God all the years of my life on earth. Do you know how many choir groups I headed? How many crusades I was invited to? I was very popular.” “The Kingdom of God is not about popularity,” the angel replied. “What quality of service did you render to God? Was it for His glory or to please men? Remember, ‘For we must all stand before Christ to be judged… each of us will receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body’” (2 Corinthians 5:10). ...

Valentine’s Day just passed and we saw love displayed in different colors. Some people just got proposed to. Some were promised unending love. Some broke up. Some got back together again. Some swore never to love again. And some have even concluded that love is synonymous with money. The world has painted love in many confusing and sometimes misleading ways, but one truth remains steady and unshaken—God’s love is unwavering, constant, and unconditional. It is nothing compared to the love of men. Human love can be beautiful, but it can also change. People disappoint, promises are broken, and feelings fade. But God’s love does not fluctuate with seasons or emotions. “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease” (Lamentations 3:22–23).  His love is not based on how well we perform or how lovable we seem. “God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8). That means He loved us at our worst, before we ever ...

No matter what situation you are in or how heavy life feels right now, remember that you are not alone in the battle. When challenges rise and the road feels uncertain, God steps in as your defender and your refuge. “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). Even when everything around you seems to be falling apart, His presence remains steady and sure. Even if it feels like everyone and everything is against you, God’s power is greater than any opposition you face. When voices rise, when doors close, and when circumstances seem overwhelming, trust that He is working behind the scenes on your behalf. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). His strength speaks louder than every obstacle. Even if you have lost hope or feel deeply discouraged, God sees your tears and understands your silent prayers. He draws close to the brokenhearted and lifts those who feel crushed in spirit. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). In y...