“I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Ps. 121:1, 2).
wenty-three babies were born to members of Loma Linda University’s School of Medicine class of 2008 over the course of their medical education.
And I was among audience members who witnessed a special ceremony during the consecration service of graduation weekend. Several babies—one even outfitted in a tiny cap and gown ensemble—were carried down the aisle as the graduates marched into the church that evening. Later on, each baby who had been born during the last four years was presented with a silver cup with the school’s insignia and the child’s name engraved on it.
Having babies while studying medicine? Right there, to me, is an amazing feat of accomplishment.
Can you imagine being in medical school with all the
rigors of intense study and clinical instruction, complete with outlandish hours and sleep deprivation, and having a baby? It boggles my mind—and serves to inspire me.
Starting a family under the most ideal circumstances still presents its own set of distinct challenges. Doing so while immersed in one of the most difficult and demanding educational pursuits one can undertake (at least to me) is something quite different altogether.
But there they were at graduation weekend, all done with what for many were the most difficult four years of their lives thus far. Residencies secured for most, weddings just days away for some, and M.D.s to follow all their names just hours away. I’m confident that I wasn’t the only one moved by their accomplishments.
For someone like me—who gets deathly queasy at the sight of blood—those whose mental prowess and stamina warrant them fit for a career in medicine are superstars. And to see that many of these students in Loma Linda’s class expanded their families in the midst of this type of educational experience flat out made them big heroes in my eyes.
To those students (now doctors), I commend their strength and perseverance. As a praying, practicing Christian, however, I look to the source of their success elsewhere. I look to God.
I don’t doubt these fledgling physicians earned their spots in medical school largely in part to talent and ability. But talent and ability go only so far. On their own, they may get you somewhere, but to stay there and finish strong, you need God.
Somewhere during the course of anything that life labels “big”—school; pregnancies; marathon training, even—lies the capacity for great success and great failure. It
doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that your chances for success are that much greater when God
factors into your plans. God makes things happen. God can order your steps on the right path as long as you are willing to align yourself to His perfect plans. Scripture tells us: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed” (Prov. 16:3).
I am sure there was a sizeable number of graduates in Loma Linda’s School of Medicine class of 2008—of which my baby sister was a member—who reached out to catch hold of the hands of a Savior who has promised great things for those who love Him. Especially those class members that brought children into the world while completing their studies. And
if I were to live a day in their lives, I certainly would.
Is there a dream in your life that demands all that you have to bring it to reality? Are there goals and hopes in your heart you long to bring to fruition?
Tell God about it and invite Him to do His work in
your life. He promises all that we need in all circumstances. Strength for the weak, wisdom for the journey, courage for the fearful, rest for the weary.
For all of us—mothers, plumbers, artists, astronauts, singers, grandparents, and this year’s set of newly minted physicians: Take hold of God’s hand and let Him pull you upward to achieving amazing feats of accomplishment.
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Wilona Karimabadi is marketing and editorial director for KidsView, Adventist Review’s awesome magazine for children.