by Jan Chester Lema
ICS’ JC Lema shares his thoughts on his latest life-challenge on his Journey with God – relocating to Davao.
Indeed when God answers prayers, He gives it in big packages.
It has been quite a while since I had a job. Having a job means having my own income. Having my own income means having my own money to spend and to save for the future. Yes, it has been a while. And so, during the last few months, I’ve been constantly praying about this aspect of my life. Specifically, my career in nursing. For months I’ve been waiting on how God would answer my prayers.
And then came the first week of May 2009.
On the Tuesday of that week I received a text message from a hospital in Davao requesting me to report to their institution on the Friday of that same week. Of course, who would not be surprised about that? I had submitted that application a long time ago, and I didn’t expect to hear anything from them anymore. But I realized that maybe this could be the beginning of God’s opportunity for me to work. And so, I told my mom about it and, eventually, she agreed. She told me that I could stay with my relatives if ever I would pursue my training there. I asked the people from the hospital if they would agree to move my appointment for the Monday of the following week since I would be coming from Manila. And, praise God, their HR agreed.
But that was just the beginning.
On that Friday of the same week, I was about to use my PC early in the morning. I noticed the pile of envelopes beside my PC, and it caught my attention. And so, I began to check them one by one: telephone bills, credit card bills, DCA envelope… wait, DCA? My heart suddenly beat fast! That envelope contains the result of my NCLEX exam. I got up from my seat, called my mom, and asked her to open the envelope. I really felt anxious that time while my mom was opening it. I browsed the contents of the letter and then I saw the phrase.
“…you have passed…”
I burst out in tears. I hugged my mom so tight. I could not contain the joy I felt during that time. I really thought I would not pass that exam because, for me, the questions were really tough. But at that moment, I realized that nothing is impossible with God. If our heart is right, if we put Him first in everything that we do, if we just offer everything unto Him, He will grant the desires of our heart. And so, I began to thank God that time for He had answered another prayer of mine.
But like I said earlier, God answers prayers in big packages.
I arrived here in Davao on Sunday of that same week. As soon as I got here, I settled with my relatives and prepared myself for the interview for that hospital. However, before going there, my aunt suggested if I could submit another resumé to Brokenshire, another hospital here in Davao, which I did. After doing so, we searched for the hospital that contacted me, only to find out that it was 15 kilometers away from our place. I started to think if I’d be able to commute this far if ever I would be accepted for a training or for a job with that institution. It turned out to be a small hospital, having only a 50-bed capacity. While speaking with their HR officer, he asked me if I was happy to be training with them, considering the distance and the hospital capacity. I was hesitant to answer, so I gave an uncertain ‘yes’. He gave me one week to think about it before I decided and then we left.
I consulted my aunts about the best options regarding my training there, and they suggested for me to try completing the requirements for Brokenshire first, since it was nearer and was a much bigger hospital. I completed the requirements and submitted it to Brokenshire the next day.
To my surprise, I received a text message instructing me to come in corporate attire and that I would be having an urgent interview with them. That was around 10:00 AM and my scheduled interview would be at 11:00 AM, and I wasn’t home that time. I hurried up and called my aunt to fetch me. We went home, I changed outfits, then rushed to Brokenshire. I arrived at exactly 11:00 AM.
Upon entering the nursing office, the nurse manager handed me a piece of paper, which was, to my amusement, an examination. Praise God I remembered the answers (some of the topics I studied during the NCLEX)! After completing the exam, they began interviewing me. It was kind of awkward because, at first they were talking to me in Bisaglish (a mixture of Visayan and English), and then they found out that I came from Manila. They got curious and asked me a lot of questions, which I found it a little interesting and fun. After the interview, I went home and that was that for the day.
I received another text message the following day, telling me that I got accepted to be included in the next batch of trainees and that I must complete the physical examination within that week. I was so happy! Indeed God had give me what certainly is the best for me. Imagine the speed and smoothness of my application for training in Brokenshire, which only took me 3 days to complete and to be accepted, considering that there were a lot of other applicants on their waiting list. I’d say that was really God’s work in me.
Now you see, what I’m trying to say here is that GOD KNOWS our situation and our needs. He knows what’s best for us. He knows the right timing when to give His blessings, and when He gives it, we must ready ourselves because it will surely come in big packages. I’m sharing this story as a living testimony of how God has worked in my life. And all the glory belongs to Him. Not by my might, but by Him alone.
I miss my life in Manila. I miss my family. I miss my friends. But I know this is one examination that God has given to me – to be temporarily separated and independent of all but Him. I simply need to “pass” this exam, within the walls of His word and His will. I’m sure after I pass this, I will be more mature emotionally and spiritually.
May God use me according to His will and plan.
Let us continue to pray for JC Lema. As of this writing, he has begun his 45-working day training at Brokenshire. – Ed.