Challenges of the Narrow Way

'Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it' (Matthew 7:13-14). These words of Jesus challenge all who want to follow his way, choosing the path that leads to eternal life.

In Challenges of the Narrow Way Bridget Plass has written a book for Lent that encourages us to face up to the fact that God's calling may not be to a comfortable, successful life, with all emotional and material needs fulfilled. Instead, he calls us simply to follow, taking us on a journey that may be hard, lonely and at times dangerous, but one that leads ultimately to 'treasure in heaven'. And if we acknowledge our weakness, our fear and our sense of unworthiness, he will give us sufficient strength to carry on, every step of the way.

Bridget Plass is a popular author and speaker, who has also written Dear Paul, Am I the Only One? (2001) and The Apple of His Eye (1996) for BRF, as well as contributing to Day by Day with God

From Methodist Recorder 3 February 2005

Bridget Plass's book Challenges of the Narrow Way includes some of Adrian Plass's poems, one of which forms an introduction: 'The Decision to follow (and why we don't!)'

He who would valiant be, let him come hither. Well, yes - quite. Absolutely. Let him come! I'll be along in a minute ...

A warmly personal book which, despite being designed with daily material for Lent, would be a good companion throughout the year.

From The Door February 2005

BRF's lent book for 2005 encourages readers to acknowledge that God's calling may not be a comfortable, successful life and how he can give us strength to carry on if we acknowledge our weaknesses. Great Bible reading and comment for the lent season.

From: Church Times 21 January 2005

In Challenges of the Narrow Way, Bridget. Plass reflects on the 'scriptural metaphor of "the narrow way" as an image of Christ's via dolorosa, as well as on its implications for Christian discipleship. Our Lord, too, 'must pass through a gate narrower than the needle's eye. These meditations focus in turn on what it meant, for Jesus to go to the cross and what it means for Christians to carry the cross.

The devotional tone is Evangelical, as is the theology, as will be the constituency to which this book will appeal. The author draws frequently on experiences of the life of her home and family, including that of caring for her mother during her terminal illness ('She is living with us - or rather dying' with us.') This Calvary of mother's and daughter's suffering moves Plass to wonder whether the cross was worse for Jesus or for Mary.

From: Flame January/February 2005
God's calling may not be to a comfortable, successful life, with all emotional needs fulfilled. Rather it is simply a call to follow - a way that may be lonely, hard and at times dangerous, but one that leads ultimately to 'treasure in heaven' .

Throughout Lent, Challenges of the Narrow Way leads and encourages the reader on a journey of self-examination, with the assurance that God gives the strength to carry on every step of the way. Plass writes with an openness, honesty and frankness, using everyday examples to bring what she is saying to life. This makes for a book that is both compelling and easy to read.

This book offers the discipline of a daily reading and a simple heartfelt prayer, which makes it ideal for the individual. However there are also questions for groups, should people require them.

• View other titles by Bridget Plass