It was one of those mornings, one we can all relate to. I had slept in, there was no time for a shower, I broke my favorite coffee mug, and I was forced to eat breakfast on the run. I finally made it to the car and turned the engine on, ready to leave for work, only to discover the check engine light was on. My mind was spinning and I felt my anxiety rise as I wondered who could help me, I didn’t know which way to turn. 

“What is wrong with me?” I thought. “It's not like I'm dying or anything. It's just a check engine light in your car.” I decided to just keep on with my normal routine. I left my house to get a tea and have my quiet time.  As I was walking into the place to get my tea I thought, “Call Ed.” That’s my mechanic. Well, that was simple enough. I tried calling but he didn’t answer. 

So, I went in and had my quiet time. I said, “Okay Lord, I'm ready for some direction here. I need to know what to do.” Just as I was leaving my phone rang. It was Ed. I told him what was going on and he said, “Well, just go and get your oil changed.” But once I got off the phone, I panicked again. Where should I go to get the oil changed? I couldn’t remember. I just couldn’t think. 

I looked up and in the corner of the parking lot was an oil change place. I went in and they changed the oil but they couldn’t determine why the light was on. They sent me to another mechanic. And I thought, “Okay, okay, I'll just do the next thing and then I'll do the thing after that.” I went to the next mechanic and they took me in right away. One hour and $25 later I walked out and the problem was solved. 

I was so grateful. I felt like God had directed my path every step of the way. But I couldn't figure out why I was so overwhelmed. It was such a simple thing. Why did it bother me so much? Then this thought came to me and I’m sure it was my Father God, “Sweetheart, you were worried that you would need a new car and you don't think you can afford it.” Well, that was true. I was fearful that there was a bigger problem than I couldn’t handle and that fear made it hard for me to deal with even a small problem. I had forgotten the beautiful promise of Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (NKJV)

God cares about every little thing. He guides our steps even when we feel like we can’t possibly keep going. 

He is with us in the middle of our panic and worry, and we can trust Him to be able to take us through it one step at a time. 

No matter what you may be facing today, may you keep going, knowing that He will guide you through to the next step. And when a bigger problem comes later, like needing a new car, He will direct that step as well.

The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NASB)