Perhaps the most haunting image in scripture is that of someone standing outside a locked door, knocking—only to hear the Lord respond, “I do not know where you are from.” It’s not a rejection, but a sorrowful truth: the relationship was never embraced. The door was open, but the invitation went unanswered.
And yet, through the Prophet Isaiah, we hear the Lord’s tender promise: “I come to gather nations of every language.” This is not a gathering of the perfect, but of the willing. The Lord desires to draw all people close—not by merit, but by love.
To enter, we must “strive to enter through the narrow gate.” But this striving isn’t about heroic effort or spiritual achievement. It’s about saying yes. Yes to being known. Yes to the relationship. Yes to the slow, daily work of love.
Sometimes, we miss the invitation without realizing it:
- We go through the motions—prayers, rituals, service—without opening our hearts.
- We postpone our yes, waiting for a better time or clearer sign.
- We keep God at arm’s length, afraid to let Him into the wounded places.
- We wear a mask, showing God only the polished version of ourselves.
- We ignore the whisper, brushing aside the gentle nudge to pray, forgive, or return.
But the beauty of grace is this: the door is still open. The Lord is still gathering. And your yes still matters.
So let go. Surrender the need to earn, to impress, to control. Step through the narrow gate—not with strength, but with trust. Let yourself be gathered. Let yourself be known. Let yourself be loved.
Smitten With Goodness 