The view stretched out before me over the canyon and river below. The colors and immense beauty drew my interest and the narrow path beckoned me to wander closer. While it was only a few feet from the edge, the winding path was fairly level and I felt safe enough to venture forward. Directly ahead was a wider view of the vista and I snapped more pictures to remember the moment. But, when I turned around, I gasped when I realized how steep the canyon wall really was and shuddered to see how close the path I walked was to the edge. What seemed safe turned out to be more dangerous in hindsight.

Would I have taken the path if I had seen this view first? Perhaps, but I may have approached it differently. Rather than walking in confidence, I may have hesitated or quit too soon and missed the view from the larger plateau just ahead. We don’t always know if the road we are traveling includes potential danger until we are look back. However, if we refuse to move forward and avoid the risk, we also lose out on some great opportunities.

Following God can sometimes be like walking a path on the edge of a precipice. Consider the following similarities:

1. The path is narrow and winding, often following natural landscapes. Jesus differentiated between the narrow and wide path and stated that most people take the easy route. (Matthew 7:13-14) Taking the narrow path is more difficult but worth the risk.
2. Be aware of where the edge is located. We often don’t know what lies beyond our immediate vision and it is wise to be aware of your surroundings. Don’t become so distracted or focused on the road ahead that you stumble and fall off the path…or worse. Be in the moment. (1 Cor. 10:12-13)
3. However, don’t focus too much on the immediate step that you neglect to keep your eye on the goal. Sometimes we become more mindful of earthly matters and neglect to keep kingdom matters in proper perspective. (2 Tim. 2:4)
4. Taking the path less traveled may be scary at times, especially when we catch a glimpse of the terrain.  However, God promises to be with us, equip us, and guide our steps. (Exod. 33:14; Heb. 13:21; Isa. 30:21)

Following God can be risky and breathtaking…but it’s worth the narrow walk.