by Angela Arndt, @aearndt

“Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:5-6 NIV

Once, several years ago, some friends were bringing their children to our house for the very first time. The youngest child was a toddler and the deeper we went down our driveway, the more afraid he became. By the time we reached the last blind curve, he was screaming. He didn’t know that just beyond was the clear, bright sky and our home.

I’ve felt like that little boy sometimes. The sharp curves of illness or dark shadows of loss scare me. When the road ahead is shrouded in mist and fog, I want someone to hold me close like a little child.

The month of June is usually my favorite. The beauty of those sunny summer days and clear blue skies warm my soul. But this June has been a long, difficult month. My illness had already started to flare as it came in, forcing me to abandon my carefully planned calendar. As it wore on, appointments were canceled. This post deadline flew by without any ideas. Then a couple of dear friends and a close relative were diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses.

So many days this month I’ve wanted to cry out Thomas’ question, “Lord, I don’t know where you’re going.”

The verse above followed John’s account of Jesus and his disciples’ supper, miraculously arranged, in a lovely upper room. But he’d brought them together with bad news: one of them was a betrayer. They knew Jesus’ life was at risk but now one of their own was going to endanger their lives, too. Then Jesus fussed at Peter twice, one of his favorites, saying he going to deny knowing their Teacher.

They’d left everything behind to follow Jesus because his truth spoke to their souls. How could the message that filled them with the warmth of God’s love make so many people hate them? What were they supposed to do now?

Jesus’ answer reminded me of something a parent says to a child. “I’m going on ahead to fix up a place for us. But don’t worry. I’ll come back for you. Besides, you already know how to get there.” Thomas, ever the literal one, was so confused. Oh yes, I “get” Thomas.

Even though we know God’s truth, trouble can still bring us to a screeching halt. When we come upon those blind curves and dark sections, we have two choices: we can be brave and keep traveling or allow terror to come in and stall us. Do you feel like your life is on the rocks? Jesus is still the way. Keep following Him until you reach home.

Angela Arndt writes women’s fiction with a thread of romance, telling stories of strong, independent women in difficult situations set in small Southern towns. Her biggest hope is that she will encourage her readers to overcome their own “back roads” and find joy in the Lord again.  Represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Literary Agency, Angela has a Master’s Degree from the University of South Carolina and continues learning the craft of writing fiction through the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Novel Academy. Connect with her at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram