By Sheree Craig
Starting as a nurse six years ago brought with it increased anxiety. The struggle of completing nursing school, working, and caring for little kids at home left me empty. I was void of energy and self-confidence which led to increased anxiety. Caring for others is my passion. Encouraging others to see their potential and beauty is my desire. Being a part of healing others is the reason I became a nurse.
The crafty enemy creeps into beautiful situations casting darkness to drown out God’s light. The path of nursing, God set me out on, crumbled at my feet as the enemy spoke lies into nearly every single moment. Repeated lies included:
- “You will never amount to anything in this career.”
- “You are not worthy of a position in nursing.”
- “You’re a failure if you do not have all the answers to heal someone.”
- “You lack intelligence to fulfill the role of a nurse.”
- “This is all a mistake; you are a mistake.”
The lies led to continually second-guessing my decisions. I spent more time during my workday rechecking the tasks completed than actually completing the task. I took every moment home in my mind, reliving every move, rehearsing every conversation, and recalling every documentation note. The stress, lies, and darkness demolished my spirit.
I allowed lies to block out the good God planned for each moment. The truth is, God continued guiding my path though I had little faith. With blind eyes, disbelief, and zero confidence, I trudged through the beginning of my nursing career. I recall sitting in my car prior to an interview for a hospital position crying to the point of hyperventilation due to the fear of messing up should I land the job. For years I felt unworthy of the title, nurse.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen (1Peter 5:8-11 NIV).
The enemy fights for your spirit. Lies, barriers, and even people (those being used by our common enemy) come into our paths to make us stumble. Listen to Truth. Stand firm in faith. Resist the enemy. It’s easier said than done; I know this full well. Write down Scriptures that combat the lies the enemy speaks to you. Turn up the worship music and drown out the lies. Knock down barriers by simply speaking the name of Jesus. Stay true to God’s plan though people in this world may try to veer you in another direction.
I absolutely believe that everything happens for a reason. The trials in this life result from living in a broken world. But God can take each trial and turn it for good, use it to strengthen your spirit, use it to restore your soul, and use it to guide your feet on the path laid for your life. He is present. He is speaking. He is holding you.
In the difficult times at the beginning of my career, I felt alone. I felt it was all up to me to do things “right.” I cannot tell you a precise or pivotal moment when I began seeing clearly. But each step forward in my career has slowly opened my eyes to God’s Truth. I know full well He is my guide. He holds a purpose for me as a nurse. He guides me through each day to strengthen me for the next. I have faith He will walk alongside me through each shift. I do not have all the answers; but God will provide what I need to find the answer, or the person needed for the situation faced.
My dear friends, whatever mountain you face in life, God will help you climb it. Listen to His Truths. You will succeed with His strength. You are worthy of the path He has planned. You are not a failure and do not need all the answers; walk in faith. You are intelligent. You are not a mistake. You were created beautifully, wonderfully, and on purpose during this time in history. Every day you live is one He planned.
Replace any lies the enemy throws with Truth (His Word). God wants to walk alongside you and use you in mighty ways. Whatever your title in life, He will use you. You matter in this world, and the world needs you.
