Under Pressure

Psalms 94:19 “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”

I’m pretty sure David was facing a more intense pressure than we are. I really appreciate how God comforts us in times of anxiety.  I’m there now, for sure.

We have entered what is my last semester of the basic science curriculum.  I have three “mini” exams, a practical skills exam, and a final this semester.  When I’ve run that gauntlet, I’ll have two weeks to study for the Comprehensive Basic Sciences Exam, or more informally “COMP,” exam.  COMP tests on everything we’ve learned in the first two years of medical school.  It’s the gateway exam I have to take (and pass) in order to sit for my first actual board exam: USMLE Step 1.  (USMLE= United States Medical Licensing Examination) 

I’m feeling a lot of internal pressure for some of the following reasons:

-I want to finish this semester strong because grades matter more since I’m considered an “international” medical student. 

-I want to pass because I don’t want my family to have to move, again, internationally. 

-I need to pass COMP so I can sit for Step and pass it before March.  I can’t start my clinical training until I pass Step and I want to be able to start my clinical years next July so I can graduate on time (otherwise, I’ll actually “match” into a residency a year later than I had planned and that equals a year of lost income for us.) 

-In order to increase my chances of obtaining a residency, I have to not only pass Step, but crush it.

I know that God has brought us this far.  He has never left us, even in the middle of a hurricane we are safe in our Father’s arms.  I believe that his hand is on us and He has a plan for our family.  As we face this period of intensity, would you please pray for us?  That God’s presence and plan would be abundantly clear, that we would press on in our desire to serve Him, and that He would comfort us in times of anxiety. 

We love you all and are so thankful for you.

For His Glory,

KCE