EVERYBODY GETS LOST IN VENICE (Studying Abroad Series)

“Everyone gets lost in Venice,” the Italian hotel clerk said, handing us a map as soon as we stepped off the boat.

Her warning troubled me, filling me with the urge to grab my bags and flag down the next passing gondola.

It had been a long, hard year of uncertainty and doubt. I’d traveled too far and was much too weary to traipse through another place full of twists and turns again.

I wanted straight, well-marked paths to stroll with a generous scoop of gelato.

Yet, ready or not, I was about to be lost in a foreign land.

“Thanks a lot,” I muttered, dreading the days ahead, until I caught sight of my husband’s face and remembered the reason for being in Venice. 

This journey wasn’t about finding my way from point A to point B without trouble. It was about navigating the days ahead with the one true love I found.

All I had to do was set aside the map and take his hand to reach my destination. It was the best trip I ever had.

The disciples were looking forward to a nice, little holiday break, too, when Jesus warned them of a change of plans. They were no longer heading toward Easy Street. They were now taking the way to the cross. 

“Lord, we don’t know the way!” Thomas said, feeling scared and confused.

But Jesus didn’t hand him a map or a schedule of events. Instead, He revealed that the only route Home was one they already knew by heart.

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

The destination of our Christian journey isn’t a place; it’s the Person, Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

You didn’t have to find the way; the Way found you. Jesus has never lost a single soul that’s trusted Him and He never will.

Wherever you go, He’s with you. Wherever He is, you’ve arrived.

Even if you wake up in an unfamiliar country tomorrow, Jesus holds your hand. You don’t have to be afraid of the dark alleys and winding canals of the future.

It’s you and Jesus together forever, every step of the way.

So don’t let your heart be troubled. Don't be afraid.

Everybody doesn’t get lost in confusing places. You’ll make it through the days ahead.

When you know Jesus, you know the way.