The Terrain of His Path
The Savior’s path may not always be easy, but He will walk with us and lead us where we want to go.
Illustrations by Yukai Du
We generally choose a path because it leads us where we want to go. But there’s more to a path than just the destination. There’s also the terrain—the kind of ground it will take us through.
Jesus Christ invites us to walk with Him (see Moses 6:34; Micah 6:8; 1 John 2:6; Doctrine and Covenants 19:23). The path He invites us to walk on is the covenant path—the path to peace, joy, and eternal life with our Heavenly Father—where we want to be.
But what is this path like? What kind of terrain will we cross through as we walk with the Savior?
Narrow
“Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life” (Matthew 7:14).
When His path feels restricting, there’s a reason. The narrowness of the way keeps you from stepping where you might get hurt or lost.
Straight
“His paths are straight” (Alma 37:12).
His is not a winding path. It is the most direct route to our goal of eternal life. It does not deviate. But sometimes we do. Because of the Savior’s Atonement, we can speedily repent and return to His path.
Steep and Sometimes Rocky
“The path [home to God] is steep and sometimes rocky” (President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency, “Help Them on Their Way Home,” Apr. 2010 general conference [Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 25]).
Walking uphill can be strenuous, and you may not be able to see over the crest of a hill you’re climbing. But the Savior strengthens and encourages you as you strive to do the hard things He invites you to do.
The rocks on your path may be different from those of others. Your challenges and circumstances are your own. But the Savior is the best traveling companion and will help you face every obstacle.
Well-Lit
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). “Walk in the light, as he is in the light” (1 John 1:7).
When your path is darkened, the Savior can light your way, even if it’s just enough for one step and then another on your journey home to your Heavenly Father.
Safe
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4).
No matter how scary, distressing, or difficult your path may seem, you can have peace knowing that as you walk with Jesus Christ, He will walk with you and lead you to safety, back to Heavenly Father.