One of my childhood dreams was to be a teacher. I like to share with others what I know and to help them however I can. In July 2018 I finished, by God's grace, my studies in elementary school teaching, in spite of having been asked more than once to attend class on Sabbath. I had, however, always had faith: I prayed, and God worked. That very month I was to take my final exam, and I would begin to teach in public school. My dream was about to come true! I needed only to pass the exam, and would be a teacher at last!
Excitedly I went to the website to find the date, time, and place where I would take my exam. But my happiness became sadness when I saw that the exam date was on Sabbath. I cried out to God: “Why did you allow me to get this far, and now you do not allow me to take the last step?” I definitely could not believe what was happening. But then I remembered the words of a friend: “What will you do if your exam is on Sabbath?” I had always answered with “If my exam is on Sabbath, I will not take it. God will lead me where He wants me to go.”
The moment had come—I would not be able to take my final exam! But ... it was my life-long ambition. From childhood, I had dreamed of being a teacher. That weekend I prayed to God, asking for wisdom to help me understand His plans for me. I asked some teachers who knew my beliefs, but I received only negative comments.... The last option was to go to the office of professional teaching services, but what arguments would I present? People are usually very reserved in such circumstances, and I was afraid. But I was encouraged by a brother from church with whom I had shared my dilemma. He told me that this was the moment to exalt God and the Sabbath-keeping commandment. His words encouraged me to try once more. If the exam date could not be changed, it was because God had other plans for my life; and I had to accept them.
So, on Sunday afternoon, I wrote a letter to the national coordinator of professional teacher services, explaining the principles with which I had been raised. I had been taught to keep the 10 commandments, among which is the seventh-day Sabbath, so I could not take my exam on Saturday. I kindly asked for another available day, such as Sunday. The next day I prayed to God and asked for His will to be done. Usually we make our own plans, but God's plans are always better than ours.
When I arrived at the office, I asked to submit the letter that I had written. The secretary asked me to wait. After a couple of minutes, I then spoke with a lady from another department, who took me to the woman to whom I had written.
There, I introduced myself and presented the letter. Without saying anything to me, she read the letter in a low voice (I was really nervous). “Are you a Seventh-day Adventist?” she asked. “Yes,” I said. She then asked for more information and told me that before the week ended I would receive an answer. She then gave me her e-mail address.
Because by the end of the week I did not receive any answer, I sent an e-mail to the lady who had committed to follow up on my case. One week later, I received an answer. She gave me a new examination date and wished me success. When I read the e-mail I cried and thanked God for everything. I now understand that God allows trials that lead us to take refuge in Him, trusting that He will always place us where we should be.
Today, for God's glory, I can say that I passed my exam. I am working in a school where I will stay as long as God allows me to. I wish to be wherever He wants me to be.
By Evelin Itzel Pérez Rendón
Bachelor of Primary Education | México
