A New Path on an Old Journey
Trade your map for His hand.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28–30
Somewhere along the way in my walk with Jesus, I realized something…
I was still trying to “help Him out.”
Just in case He needed backup, I kept my map, my flashlight, my weapons, my disguises—my self-reliance—tucked neatly in my spiritual backpack. I told myself it was “wisdom” or “being prepared.” But if I’m honest, it was just me depending on me.
And then… He unpacked my backpack.
When the Holy Spirit Does a Luggage Inspection
What I had formed no longer worked.
What I thought I needed was just slowing me down.
Map & Compass? Gone. He’s leading, not me.
Flashlight? Don’t need it—His light never burns out.
Spoiled Food? Tossed. He gives fresh bread and living water.
Weapons I Made? Set aside. He’s my defender.
ID Card? Shredded. He names me.
Disguises? Burned. I go only where His identity is welcome.
Same Journey. New Path.
It wasn’t a new mission. I was still following Him.
But the path changed. And the freedom I found wasn’t in having better gear—it was in traveling lighter.
I had to admit—much of my Christian life was me carrying emergency rations of self-sufficiency “just in case” Jesus didn’t come through on time.
When Jesus leads:
The route may not make sense… until you arrive.
The pace may be slower… because He walks with you.
The provisions arrive daily… so you can’t stockpile and boast.
The protection is sure… so you can rest without guarding yourself.
Living in His Freedom
Maybe your boots are worn and your pack is heavy with “just-in-case” items. Here’s the invitation:
Let Him unpack it.
You won’t miss what He removes.
You’ll finally walk in the fullness of what He’s already paid for.
And the lighter the load, the sweeter the walk.
Reflection
What are you still carrying that Jesus has already promised to provide
Where are you relying on your own “map” instead of His leading?
What disguises or self-protections do you need to surrender?
Prayer
Lord, unpack my pack. Take what I’ve carried in fear, pride, or habit. Replace it with what only You can give—Your provision, Your light, Your protection, and Your name. Teach me to walk freely with You, one step at a time. Amen.