Phobia

This week, I passed my Driving Test and finally received my license. A year late, since I am now 17 years old and probably should have gotten it last year at 16... but better late than never!

It's super exciting and I'm so happy that all the work and practice I put into driving finally paid off. However, it wasn't always like that. Not too long ago, I had a fear of driving and would refuse to take the driver's seat when I was asked to drive anywhere. Two years ago, my parents forced me to study and get my learner's permit even though I was afraid and though I was happy when I passed the test and we celebrated... I still didn't want to drive around.

Let's just be honest, driving is scary! People are crazy! They speed, they don't check their mirrors, they won't turn their blinker on, they honk at you.. etc etc. To sum it all up, it stresses me out and being only five foot one, barely being able to see out the car window, doesn't help.

Finally, last month, my parents enrolled me in driving school. Yes, I drove around in one of those really obnoxious "Student Driver" cars with the signs on top and everything. It was nerve-wracking, but in the long run, my instructor helped me gain confidence in my driving and taught me how to be safe on the road so I wouldn't have to be afraid!

I had to realize, this was a step in me becoming an adult. I had to get my license. I would never be able to drive anywhere myself if I didn't. Most importantly, I had to understand that God will protect me. He's always watching my every step and if I remember to drive safely and pray for God's protection, I have no need to be afraid of the road.

Last week, in my new confidence, I walked up to my dad and said, "Can I drive to youth group tonight?" He was so happy that I finally wanted to drive. It was the first time I had ever asked.

This relates to situations in our lives. Something will come up that you know you have to do and it's scary. For example, going to a new school, speaking in front of people, going to college, trying out for a sport. These are all events that shape our lives and personality. God puts hard things in our lives so that we may learn to trust in him alone and build our faith. I would have never overcome my fear of driving if I wouldn't have begun praying for His guidance and for Him to give me strength and courage.

Because of that, I now have my license (with a cheesy picture of me on it) and I can now get in the car with absolutely no fear, but instead, enjoyment.

Difficult situations in the long run give us more courage than we had before and we know that God gives us the bravery we need to walk through a hard situation. And he gives us this bravery for free. All we need to do is ask Him.

-Madison Terwilliger