.png)
Not Everyone Will Understand—And That’s Okay
There’s so much happening around us—noise, distractions, deception, and pressure to conform. If we’re not careful, we’ll find ourselves drifting, chasing approval, or entertaining ideas that pull us away from what really matters. That’s why now, more than ever, it is critical to be deeply connected to God. Not just in word, but in spirit, in discipline, and in complete surrender.
The Straight and Narrow Isn’t Crowded
Jesus told us in Matthew 7:14, “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” That’s a sobering thought. The wide path is easy. It’s where the crowd gathers, where comfort and compromise blend together. But the narrow path? It requires focus, obedience, and an intentional guarding of our minds, hearts, and spirits.
Walking this road means protecting what enters our hearts. It means setting boundaries on what we consume—conversations, entertainment, relationships, even our own thoughts. It means measuring everything against the truth of God’s Word, not just what feels right in the moment.
Real Trust in God Isn’t Just Words
Trusting God sounds good when everything is going smoothly. But real trust? It shows up in how we respond when things don’t make sense. When doors close, when people walk away, when the road gets lonely. Trusting God means standing firm even when you don’t see the full picture, when your obedience is costing you something, and when His way isn’t the most convenient way.
It means being so rooted in Him that you don’t need constant reassurance from people. And if we’re honest, that’s a challenge. We naturally want to feel validated. We want our faithfulness to be noticed and celebrated. But here’s where we get it twisted: being well-liked is not a badge of success in God’s eyes.
Don’t Be Shaken When People Disconnect
Luke 6:26 warns us, “Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.” Think about that. When everyone is applauding, agreeing, and patting you on the back, that’s not always a good sign.
Jesus Himself was rejected. The apostles were persecuted. The prophets were ridiculed. The true mark of walking with God isn’t universal praise—it’s staying faithful even when the world misunderstands you.
Now, this doesn’t mean we go around trying to be controversial or stirring up opposition. We should seek peace, wisdom, and healthy relationships. But we should also recognize that living for God means not everyone will understand us—and that’s okay. The goal is not popularity; the goal is obedience.
Guard Your Spirit and Stay Close to Him
The times we’re in require us to be discerning. We can’t afford to be careless with our mind, heart, and spirit. We must guard against distractions, against the temptation to water down our faith for acceptance, against the subtle drift that happens when we stop prioritizing God’s presence.
Stay in the Word. Pray daily. Surround yourself with people who sharpen your faith, not dull it. Keep walking the straight and narrow, even when it feels lonely. Because at the end of the day, there is no greater security, no greater peace, and no greater reward than knowing you are exactly where God wants you to be.
If you feel like you’re standing alone, stand anyway. If the path feels unfamiliar, trust that God has already walked ahead of you. And if you ever start wondering if it’s worth it—remember, eternity is worth far more than momentary applause. Stay the course. God’s got you.
Canena Adams, MA, BSW, SRAS
Communications Professional & Leadership Coach
Wife | Mother | Writer | Author | Public Speaker | Social Worker | Business Owner | Nonprofit Founder & Director | Sexual Risk Avoidance Specialist | Healthy Family & Relationship Advocate | Blogger | Podcaster | Adjunct College Prof. | PhD Student | And more...
Comments