But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:14 NIV

By Scott Schuler

Are we on the path that gives us eternal and joyful life?

Our conversation had continued into another late-night discussion, deep in a Russian village in the home of my new friend, Vladimir. My Ukrainian interpreter, Roma, and I were missionaries, staying as guests of Vladimir and his family, who interestingly were not believers.

Vladimir, a kind, hard-working gentleman, had taken great interest in our mission and our belief in Jesus. When we returned each evening, exhausted from the day, Vladimir urged us to sit so he could ask more questions. Our conversations grew more direct with Vladimir’s yearning to know truth.

It was 1 AM on the third night and weariness had set in. Roma drank cup after cup of Russian tea and the morning person that I am tried to stay focused. Finally, in his very direct form of communication, Vladimir said …

“Give me one reason why I should believe in the Jesus you share with me.”

With my head bowed, I cried out to God … “Lord, I need you, what do I say …”

Slowly, I looked at Vladimir. Authority came over me as I said, “Roma is from Ukraine, I am from America and we are sitting in your home in a Russian village. Vladimir, do you not think that Jesus is trying to get your attention …?”

Silence overcame Vladimir … and slowly he looked at me. His stern Russian demeanor was replaced with a smile as he said … I want to know this Jesus you share with me.

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10 ESV

Knowing that we were in the center of God’s will in a moment of time are those epoch memories I treasure. My time with Vladimir was one of those times. Explaining to him the Gospel (Good News – Matthew 24:14) message of Jesus and what He experienced on the cross will never grow old for me.

Once we realize the small gate represents our belief and trust in Jesus, our perspective on the world quickly changes because we give up our control of the world’s offerings to come to Jesus with nothing, desiring Him. This is what surrender looks like. And, this is what Vladimir did – entering through the small gate because he chose to believe in Jesus leaving his prior beliefs behind for the truth only found in Him.

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 ESV

Roma and I returned late to Vladimir’s home the next evening after a long day of serving the community. We were greeted with a talkative and excited Russian man that was now a brother in Christ. He spoke so fast Roma could barely interpret his words.

The miracle we witnessed is etched in my mind forever. How God loves us so deeply that He would orchestrate three schedules, so that one man would come to know Him personally.

Vladimir, not only became a believer in Jesus, but became an evangelist too spreading the Good News of Jesus with others. He went to work following our long night. He shared with everyone in his company the Jesus he came to know entering through the small gate of faith to step onto the narrow road where he now has abundant life in Jesus.

Vladimir came to know Jesus as He delivered him from his sins to walk the narrow path that leads to life. Share your thoughts and questions about who Jesus is to you in the comments below.

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