Inspired by Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” When I first decided to pursue nursing, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. It wasn’t just about learning anatomy, pharmacology, or memorizing diseases—it was about preparing to care for real people in their most vulnerable moments. The journey was long, full of clinical duties, case studies, sleepless nights, and yes—plenty of tears. But nothing compared to the pressure I felt when it was time to take the board exam. The fear of failing crept in constantly. I saw others study for 10, 12, even 14 hours a day. Some were taking expensive review classes or going into total social isolation. I remember sitting in my room late one night, staring at my notes, wondering: –
“What if I’m not smart enough? What if I forget everything during the test? What if I disappoint my family—and myself?
Then, one morning during my devotional time, my eyes landed on a verse I had seen many times before:-
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
– Philippians 4:13
I had read it so many times it almost felt routine—but that morning, it felt different. The words wrapped around my anxious heart like a warm embrace. I paused, breathed deeply, and realized: This exam is big, but God is bigger. My fear is strong, but His strength is stronger.
From that day on, I made a commitment—not just to study harder, but to trust deeper. I started every review session with a prayer. Some days I said, “Lord, help me understand these topics.” Other days I cried out, “God, I’m exhausted. I feel like giving up. Please carry me.”
I even wrote Philippians 4:13 on a sticky note and placed it on the front of my review book, on my mirror, and on my wall. I needed that constant reminder—not of my weakness, but of His strength.
There were days I still doubted. There were times I forgot everything I studied and panicked. But every time, God reminded me: You’re not doing this alone.
Each time I felt anxious, I whispered the verse.
Each time I wanted to give up, I prayed.
Each time I felt like I wasn’t enough, God whispered, “But I am.”
And then… the day of the board exam came. As I entered the testing center, my heart was pounding. But strangely, there was a deep peace. Not because I felt confident in myself, but because I knew the One who was with me. I silently prayed before answering each section. I told myself, “Do your best, and let God do the rest.”
When the results were released, I was shaking. I opened the message and saw that one word I’d dreamed about: “PASSED.” I dropped to my knees and cried—not just out of happiness, but out of gratitude. Because I knew that without God, I never would have made it.
To Those Who Are Still Waiting, Still Studying, Still Dreaming–
If you’re about to take your nursing board exam, let me say this to you with all my heart: You are not alone. You are not weak. And you are not going to fail—not when the God who created you is standing beside you.
Yes, study hard. Give it your all. But above all else, trust God completely.
Place your fear in His hands and let Him turn it into faith.
Place your worries at His feet and let Him lift you up with His peace.
There will be hard moments. You might cry. You might feel like giving up.
But don’t. Because with Christ, you CAN do this.
That verse is not just for decoration—it’s a declaration.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
That includes passing the board exam. That includes becoming a nurse. That includes being the light in someone’s darkest day.
Your journey is not just about you—it’s about the people God will use you to heal, comfort, and inspire.
So go ahead. Believe. Trust. Study. Pray. Pass.
And when you do—give all the glory to God, just as I did.
Because it wasn’t just my effort.
It was His strength carrying me the whole way.
