Why God is Using the Narrow Path to Squeeze the Old You Out

TODAY'S TEACHING

But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life, and there are few who find it.
 —Matthew 7:14

You know, there’s probably something you did a few years ago that would bother your conscience if you even thought about doing it now. 

Back then, it didn’t seem so bad, right? 

But today, now that God’s shown you a better way, He's not going to let you get away with it.

I remember a time when I had this habit that didn’t feel wrong at all.

Until one day, it hit me: God was showing me that it wasn’t in line with His plan. 

At that moment, I couldn’t just ignore it anymore. 

I was stuck in a cycle, always chasing after things that, if I’m honest, weren’t bringing me peace or joy. 

I told myself I was fine, but deep down, I felt off. 

It was like God whispered to my heart, “This is not how I want you to live.”

And He wasn’t condemning me.

He was lovingly guiding me. 

He works gently, with grace, and then gives us a little time to rest and reflect. 

But you know what?

He doesn’t stop talking.

As long as we listen, there’s always something new He wants to reveal as He continues to mold us into the image of Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18).

If you’re anything like I was, there was a time you probably longed for the wide road.

The easy way. 

The one that promises freedom with no rules, no boundaries. 

But I’ll tell you something, I started realizing that the road God had me on felt narrower and narrower. 

And at first, it wasn’t easy to accept. 

No wonder God's Word says in today's scripture that there are few who find it.

My flesh wasn't happy.

I used to say to God, “It feels like the path You’re leading me on keeps getting smaller. I don’t even know if I can fit anymore.”

One day, I remember driving down the highway, talking to God, and I said, “God, where is this path going? I feel like there’s no room for me. Everything seems so tight.”

I was frustrated, a little confused even. 

But that’s when God reminded me of Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." 

It clicked.

When Jesus comes to live in us, He doesn’t just stay for a season.

He moves in, takes permanent residence, and little by little, He fills every part of us. 

And as He does, He starts to squeeze out the old, selfish parts of who we used to be.

It wasn’t until I embraced that feeling of being squeezed that I realized what was happening. 

Those “restrictions” weren’t there to hold me back. 

They were there to make room... make room for more of God in my life. 

My old nature was being pressed out so His presence could settle in. 

And the more of me that was emptied, the more of God could take its place.

If you’re feeling like the path you’re walking on is getting tighter, like there’s less space for your old habits, your old ways, don’t worry. 

That’s actually a sign that God is squeezing out the parts of you that no longer belong. 

It’s uncomfortable, yes.

But it’s a process, and it’s one that leads to more of Him filling you. 

Don't rush the process.

Trust the process.

Embrace the squeeze, because it’s making space for something far better.

More of God, more of His peace, more of His blessings, more of His presence.

Looking back, I can see that the narrower the path became, the more peace and purpose I found. 

It might seem restrictive, but in reality, it’s a blessing.

And let me tell you, there’s nothing more freeing than walking in God's fullness. 

The more He takes up space in your life, the less room there is for anything else.

And you wouldn’t want it any other way.

If this resonates with you, here's a short prayer you can say today:

"Dear God, I feel the narrow path You’ve placed me on, and sometimes it feels like there’s barely enough room to breathe. But I know You’re squeezing the old me out, making space for more of Your presence to fill me up. I’m letting go of the things that don’t fit anymore, trusting You to mold me into the person You’ve always meant for me to be. Keep me on this path, even when it feels tight, because I know it’s leading me straight to Your best. Amen."

God bless you! 

Your brother in Christ,

Daniel
Daily Effective Prayer™

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