Written by Melissa Alvarado
We meet milestones at different rates and at various times in our lives. I think about a major milestone in my life that I achieved much later than my peers. I graduated in 1989; however, I did not obtain my college degree until 20 years later. I was content with my life as a wife and a mother. I did not want to be anything more than what I was, yet God was calling me to become a nurse. I received a full scholarship, I had free daycare and all the support and encouragement I needed, yet I was reluctant to make this change. Nursing school pushed me far out of my comfort zone. I prayed every day, sometimes pleading with the Lord to take this away from me. Yes, I actually prayed for failure. Once I realized, I was destined to be a nurse (His Will, not mine), I began to pray differently, accepting the Lord’s plan. I would say, Lord if this is Your Will, let it be done. I knew that His Will was for me to be a nurse. I cried and I begged: “I NEED YOUR HELP!!” My focus shifted from what I wanted to do, to what the Lord was calling me to be. I was anxious; however, I accepted my assignment. AND, By the grace of God, I graduated! I became a registered nurse. I have worked for the past 12 years as an RN. Through it all, God is faithful. In September 2021, my nursing career was put on pause. Was I nervous? Was I pushed out of my comfort zone… again? Yes! However, I know and trust in the Lord’s plans. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds me “Fear not, for I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” I want to encourage all of you to “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 path” Proverbs 3:5-6.
