We were new to the city. Our household belongings were tucked away in a storage unit across town while we tried to adjust to apartment life. As we settled in, I began a list of items I was wanting to retrieve from storage in an effort to make our little space a bit cozier.

If you’re younger, you can’t imagine getting anywhere without the audible directions of your super smart phone leading the way. But believe me, children, there was such a day. And I was living in it.

The phone I did own – my trusty iPhone 3 – utilized a map but had no audible readout of directions. So to actually use the map, I had to actually look at it. That was problem #1. I was unfamiliar with the layout of the area – problem #2. And worst of all – God passed me over when He was passing out a decent sense of direction – problem #3.

It was the perfect storm.

I was a little nervous as I made my way to the first highway on my journey, and I was surprised to run into quite a bit of traffic. I knew I would need to exit onto another highway soon, but the number of the highway – and I had lots of options – escaped me. I glanced down at my phone and looked up in time to whiz right past the highway exit I needed.  Panic set in. My heart was racing. I began to talk out loud to myself – never a good sign.

I took the next exit – which wasn’t connected to where I needed to be in any form or fashion. And that traffic! Where did all of those cars come from?! And why were they driving so fast?!

I eventually found a safe(ish) place to pull over and take an unhurried look at the map. Even so, it took me two more times to finally land on the right highway. When I arrived at the storage unit, I just sat in the car and had a good cry. The feeling of being lost and having no bearings as to where I was or how I was supposed to reach my destination was just too much for this gal.

Once I settled down, I pulled my goods from the storage unit. I decided this would be a good time to have a long talk with the Lord about Him getting me home with a little less drama. He was gracious, and I arrived back at the apartment with far less “adventure” – for which I was immensely grateful.

After that incident, I developed a real phobia about being lost. It took years before I would venture out on my own into unfamiliar territory, but as phone directions became more direct and could be delivered audibly, I relaxed and became more confident.

Honestly, I now surprise myself at how brave I am on the roads (and I’m still immensely grateful to God for the “adventures” I no longer experience).

I remember my early days of walking with Jesus. I loved Him dearly and wanted desperately to live a life that pleased Him. Trouble was, I was brand new to the faith, to His Word, and to His way of life. I felt that panic of being without direction.

By His grace, He led me to a ministry full of strong believers with lots of knowledge and even more patience. They modeled Christlike behavior and attitudes. They helped me to learn to eat the elephant one bite at a time – how to study the Scriptures bit by bit and to not be overwhelmed by them.

They discipled me. After many years, my initial panic was transformed into an absolute passion for the Word.

God has used Bible study to help me to know Him, understand His character, trust His promises, look to Him for guidance, and have hope for the future. If I could invite you to do one thing to get to know God or to deepen your relationship with Him, I would encourage you to join a Bible study. Right now, churches and Bible study ministries all over the world are gearing up for a new year of diving deep into the Word, and they would love for you to join them! Ask a Christian friend or family member how you can get connected or reach out to me in the “Prayer Requests” section of “November Roses.”

God is eager to lead you down the path of life, and you’ll finally be able to kick panic to the curb!

“You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” – Psalm 16:11