When Change Leads to Victory

When Change Leads to Victory Devotional Reading and Podcast

1998 was a momentous year. At 40 years of age, I had an excellent career, was pursuing my nursing degree, and was in a loving relationship. Yes, I was thrilled because not only did I have love and financial stability, but the pursuit of taking academic courses part-time came to fruition. Now I only had to complete the clinical portion of the nursing program.

I requested transcripts to be sent to the six colleges [within a 50-mile radius from my home] that offered a nursing program in the State of New Jersey. As I mailed the six envelopes containing my application for review and acceptance, I felt overjoyed. Within two weeks, I received acceptance letters from four of the programs, along with an explanation from the other two that they were on probation with the Board of Nursing and could not accept new applicants.

As I read the acceptance letters again, I could not believe what I saw, the start date was August 2000. This had to be an error. How was it possible that I was placed on four waitlists for two years? After speaking to the admission counselors from the four colleges, they explained their admission quotas for 1998 and 1999 were filled.

“A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” –Proverbs 16:9

The defeat of disappointment overwhelmed me like arriving at the beach and 10 minutes later, dark storm clouds fill the sky. I didn’t know how to proceed, but I was determined that I would not wait for two years. In a prior life, I lived in Upstate NY and was aware of several nursing programs. After speaking to a friend who graduated from one of the programs, he told me to apply and in May 1998, I received an acceptance letter to begin in August of 1998.

My happiness was short-lived. How would I attend nursing school on a full-time status four hours from New Jersey? What about my job that I would be fully vested within six months? And I was in love, most long-distance relationships fizzle out and I was 40, not 20! The ambivalent feelings destroyed my peace of mind. Instead of celebrating, I was overwhelmed by the possibility of making the wrong decision.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” –Jeremiah 29:11

Finally, I remembered that I needed to ask God for help. The dilemma of choosing my present life of love and financial stability versus the consequences of choosing the unfamiliar and losing everything that I valued resulted in anxiety and fear.

In June 1998, I took a leap of faith by traveling to Upstate NY to look at a couple of apartments. Even as a full-time student, the rent was affordable. I signed a 12-month lease with the option to renew. Within two weeks, the love of my life accompanied me in disbelief to help me move. He gave me the option to call him if things did not work out.

As we said our final goodbyes, I knew that God orchestrated my new journey. Yes, I lost my relationship and resigned from a stable job that had much to offer, but God had other plans for my life. Graduating in December of 2000 brought tears of joy because I obeyed God. Through God’s divine intervention, I accomplished my goal to become a Registered Nurse. He removed all distractions that were a hindrance to achieving His plans for my life.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.” –Isaiah 55:8

If you are facing a major life change and feeling the defeat of disappointment, failure, or fear, pray and involve God before you make any decisions. Yes, I was fearful, but I obeyed God. Our Heavenly Father never makes mistakes. His promises are yes, to which we say, Amen!

The path to victory always requires three things: To have faith in God’s plans, to let go of the things [and some people] that we value, and to move forward despite the fear of the unknown. When we fully rely on and trust in God, His promises evolve into greater things for our lives.

Remember unexpected life events come as a surprise to us, but not to God. It is 2023 and as I reflect on my life-changer from 1998, I proclaim with confidence, Go ahead, and let God lead you into victory! God will manifest His greatness and power by giving victorious outcomes that you could never envision.

Prayer: God, we are standing at a crossroads and need your guidance. We ask You to reveal the steps that we need to take to fulfill your plans for our lives. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray, Amen.