Sept. 17, 2014 - I Believe: God Has A Perfect Plan!

Greetings Allen Temple Family and Friends,

I hope this midweek note finds each of well and trusting in the goodness of our God in spite of. Just this week we are at war with ISIS, battling issues of domestic violence and child abuse in America's beloved NFL. In addition, there are many other realities eclipsed by these two headlines including the crimes committed against us and those we commit against ourselves. And yet, as believers we know that human news outlets do not have the full story. There is a gospel, good news that ATBC member, Tiye Scott reminded us of last week in her faith journey: GOD WILL SUSTAIN US!

This week, meet Amelia Roberts, "Mimi" to those who love her and "Melia" to me. She is an active member having grown up in Allen Temple, and part three of the trio known as the Roberts sisters. She sings in the LYFE choir, works as a youth leader and is a member of the Deaconess Ministry. She serves quietly without fanfare and dispels the notion that Millennials are fleeing the church. I pray her faith journey encourages you on yours:

I realized when I was about 15 years old that it was God's plan for me to become a nurse. It was around the time when my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. I felt that the Lord gave me a glimpse of what my career would be like. Honestly, at the time I did not know much about the profession, but before I knew it I was enrolled in nursing school at the University of San Francisco. As I started to take nursing courses, the four years of college flew by and I was amazed at how the profession seemed to be a perfect fit for me. It seemed like all of the nursing opportunities just fell in my lap without a lot of effort of my own. At the age of 21, I was excited about my future in nursing and the fact that I already had an emergency department job lined up for me after graduation. All I had to do was pass my licensing exam. I studied for months to prepare myself to take the national boards to become a licensed registered nurse. As I sat for this important exam, after seventy five questions the test stopped, indicating I was done. It would take weeks to get the official results, but I instantly knew I failed.

I immediately felt hopeless knowing that I would lose my job. I would be stuck with a college degree, but nothing to do with it. I was infuriated with God because I felt He let me down. I could not understand why He would guide me into the profession of nursing, keep and provide for me all throughout nursing school, secure me a job, and then allow for me to fail the test. I was lost, disappointed, and confused. My hopelessness then turned to depression; so severe that I had to temporarily move back home with my parents. After several days of being in bed, wallowing in my sorrow, my mother finally had enough of my pity party. She looked at me and said, "Do you believe that if you pass the test or fail the test that God has a perfect plan for your life?" I replied "Yes." In that moment I started to think about the plans and promises God had revealed to me over the years. As the days progressed I started to develop a peace knowing that regardless of the outcome God always makes good on his promises.

As I started to move on and think about the next steps of my life, I received a letter stating I passed the national board exam. I immediately realized that I passed the nursing test, but I had failed God's test. God was testing my faith in Him and my ability to trust him, even in hard times. Proverbs 3:5-6 says "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Now 10 years into my nursing career, I never forget and stand firm on the fact that when God sets a path for you He will shelter you while you make the journey. Over the years when I did not think I was smart enough and expected failure, God surrounded me with favor. When colleagues lied on me and slandered my name, God promoted me. When I thought I was not good enough, God put people in my life that reminded me I was more than enough. God has proven over and over to me that he is faithful and a promise keeper.

Whatever path God may have you on, believe with me that He has a perfect plan for your life; He will answer every prayer and fulfill every promise!

Until next week, know God has a perfect plan!

Blessings to you,

Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson
Assistant Pastor