He told them
to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick—no food, no traveler’s
bag, no money. Mark 6:8 NLT
Fear
caused me to pack heavily; experience taught me to pack lightly.
For a
number of years, I hiked and backpacked in the mountains. Day hikes required
only a small pack with snacks, water, and emergency equipment. Overnight hikes required
more forethought.
Since
I’m the sort of guy who likes to plan for unforeseen events, my backpack always
weighed too heavy. The first backpacking trip my daughter and I made witnessed
two packs far heavier than necessary, ruining the experience.
As I
gained more experience, I learned to leave some things behind and to manipulate
other items so they’d weigh less. This made the trip more enjoyable, and I
discovered I could live with less than I had imagined. I also learned to trust
God to care for me instead of trying to imagine everything that might happen
and then prepare for it.
I never
got my pack to weigh what thru-hikers’ backpacks do. I suppose I just didn’t
have enough trust to leave behind as much as they do.
As
Jesus sent the twelve disciples on a gospel-spreading mission, He told them to
take only a walking stick and the clothes on their backs. Those they stayed
with on their journey would provide for them. Somewhat like me taking nothing
but a hiking stick on a backpacking trip and depending on fellow backpackers to
feed me and give me a tent to sleep in. A scary scenario.
Clothes,
tents, food, and hygiene items aren’t the only things that can weigh us down.
Fear, anxiety, unforgiveness, and worry come to mind—unwelcome bedfellows who
encumber life’s backpack and weigh down my shoulders.
Fortunately,
we don’t have to carry them around. God doesn’t give us a spirit of fear, but
of power and of love and of a sound mind. Jesus says we shouldn’t worry about
tomorrow because today has enough troubles of its own—and He’s in control of
tomorrow. Nor should we let anxiety ruin our lives. Rather, we should give our
concerns to God who, in return, will give us peace beyond our understanding. He
will also give us the power to forgive those who wrong us.
Don’t
carry around loads God never intended for you to bear. Leave the heavy loads
with God and travel lightly.
Prayer:
Father, give us the faith and courage to leave behind the things You never
intended for us to carry.
Tweetable: Is your load too heavy?
Thanks to all our faithful followers who share our posts! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.
