https://youtu.be/lCVLs6MW3gY

📝 Summary

<aside>

In this heartfelt message from Matthew 11:28–30, Pastor Favour Ibom invites us to lay down the heavy backpacks we've been hauling through life—regrets, fears, expectations, and pressures—and accept Jesus' invitation to true rest. Using the picture of a hiker who keeps picking up "souvenirs" along the trail until the journey becomes a burden, Pastor Favour walks us through four simple steps using the acronym R.E.S.T.: Respond to Jesus' invitation, Exchange your burden for His yoke, Sit under His way and learn from Him, and Trust that His way leads to real rest. This isn't a call to quit what you're doing—it's a call to live aligned with the leadership of Jesus, who carries most of the load while we simply walk with Him.

</aside>

📌 Tips

<aside>

• For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you.
• You don’t need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season.
• Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. </aside>

🧊 Icebreaker

<aside>

What's the most ridiculous thing you've ever packed for a hike or trip that you absolutely did not need?

</aside>

📖 Bible Passage(s)

<aside>

Matthew 11:28–30 (NIV)

"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."

Supporting Passages:

• Psalm 127:2 – "In vain you rise early and stay up late… he grants sleep to those he loves."
• 1 Peter 5:7 – "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
• Proverbs 3:5–6 – "Trust in the Lord with all your heart…"
• Isaiah 40:29–31 – "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength…" </aside>

🔎 Observation

<aside>

1. What stands out to you in the passage(s)? Is there anything new for you to believe or obey?
2. Who specifically does Jesus invite in verse 28? What does that tell us about who qualifies?
3. What two character traits does Jesus use to describe Himself in verse 29? Why do you think He highlights those?
4. What's the contrast between the burdens we carry and the yoke Jesus offers? </aside>

👋 Application

<aside>

1. What's in your "backpack" right now that Jesus never asked you to carry?
   • Pastor Favour described regrets, fears, family expectations, and anxieties about the future as "souvenirs" we pick up along the trail.
   • Naming it is the first step to dropping it.
2. Where in your life have you climbed into the car with Jesus but refused to take off the backpack?
   • We often "come to Jesus" but still try to figure things out on our own.
   • Jesus wants the whole weight, not just part of it.
3. What area of your life are you trying to clean up before bringing it to Jesus?
   • We don't wash our clothes before taking them to the laundry.
   • Jesus invites our mess, not our polished version.
4. Who or what is currently setting the pace of your life?
   • Being yoked with Jesus means walking at His pace—not our friends', not our family's, not culture's.
   • Going faster or slower than Jesus creates pain and strain.
5. How much time are you actually spending with Jesus each week?
   • Pastor Favour reminded us: "The more you spend time with Jesus, the more you become like Jesus."
   • Learning from Him requires nearness, not just knowledge.
6. What fears about tomorrow are stealing your joy today?
   • 80% of the things we worry about never happen.
   • God knew you before you were formed—He's not caught off guard by your future.
7. Are you writing your life plan in pen or pencil?
   • Pastor Favour shared that God told him: "Write the plan in pencil and give me the eraser."
   • Rest comes not from control, but from trust. </aside>

🏔️ Live “On Belay”

<aside>

1. Do a "Backpack Dump" this week. Grab a journal and write down every burden you've been carrying. Then pray through each one, intentionally handing them to Jesus.
2. Schedule margin. Look at your calendar and cancel or say no to one thing this week that isn't essential. Use that time to sit with Jesus.
3. Be present for someone who's weary. Think of one person in your life who's carrying a heavy load. Text them, grab coffee, or just listen. Be the friend who points them to Jesus' rest.
4. Start a daily "First 10" habit. Give Jesus the first 10 minutes of your day before checking your phone. Read a verse, pray, listen.
5. Hand God the eraser. Identify one plan or expectation you've been gripping too tightly. Tell God out loud: "You can erase this if You need to. I trust You." </aside>

🙏 Prayer

<aside>

1. Pray for honesty — Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what's actually weighing you down, especially the things you've been hiding.
2. Pray for surrender — Ask God to help you let go of control in one specific area.
3. Pray for pace — Ask Jesus to help you walk in step with Him—not faster, not slower.
4. Pray for someone weary — Bring a friend, family member, or coworker before God who needs rest.
5. Pray for presence — Ask the Holy Spirit to make you a "presence carrier" this week—someone whose peace points others to Jesus. </aside>

🎶 Worship

https://youtu.be/R8MZbl-GRdY?si=upiyRMO7lkQ_8dyx