Radical Love

The unknown fills the soul with anxiety. What is next? I asked myself, even as I cried out to God for an answer. I had just received my nursing degree and passed the board examination to obtain my license, but I had no way to pursue my dream career in this country. Why did God allow me to come this close but not close enough? I thought in desperation.

My mind was so clouded by my own anxious thoughts that I could not hear His calming voice, reminding me of how He had provided for me in the many challenges I had experienced throughout my student years. Every single time.

And now that I was faced with even more challenges as a new graduate, why would things be any different? We tend to ask Jesus to change our situation, not realizing that He often allows us into difficult circumstances in order to change us.

I had a great job offer pending acceptance that had been graciously extended three times already. Without the work permit I desperately needed, I would never be able to accept the position. Only a miracle would allow me to receive it before the deadline.

As I wrestled in prayer, it finally dawned on me—I was praying for the wrong thing. The moment I realized that I should be praying for peace instead of an answer to my dilemma, everything changed. Finally, the deadline arrived, and after spending time with God, I exchanged His peace for all my worries. I checked the progress of my status.

It remained unchanged: the case was taking longer than expected. I trusted that it was God’s will because He had something different for me.

Later that same day, I opened my mailbox, and to my surprise, I found a letter approving my work permit. Everything had fallen into place. At first, I said it was just in time, but in reality, it was in God’s perfect time. He truly wants the best for each of us.

He loves us because we are daughters of the King of kings! We have a beautiful inheritance waiting for us. In every trial we encounter, God will see us through because of His radical love for us.

Luisamaria Navarro