"There is Nothing More That I Want to Be!" (Acts 16:30)

I have been privileged to meet many excellent physicians as one of the directors of training for a dermatology residency program. One of my favorite but most challenging responsibility is interviewing prospective applicants. All of the applicants are amazingly brilliant with resumes that would be the envy of any physician or professional. Unfortunately, the competition is fierce because dermatology is a highly desired medical specialty. From a pool of over 300 applicants, only 25 are selected to interview, and, ultimately, only 2 are chosen for our program.

Thus, while our program has been fortunate to accept and train some excellent dermatologists, we must turn away many equally qualified applicants. Many of these go on to be accepted at other dermatology programs. But inevitably some are rejected by all programs and must reapply the next year and sometimes take even longer.

One resident stands out in my mind. Like her peers, she was an outstanding applicant. This was the third time she was applying, having been rejected by every program she applied to over the past 2 years. I asked her, “What will you do if you are rejected a third time?”

“Then, I will apply again.”

“And if you don’t get in again?”

“I will keep on applying until I make it!” She then turned to me and with a determined and steely gaze said, “There is nothing more that I want to be than a dermatologist!”

That year she did get into dermatology and she is now a superb practicing dermatologist, as she always dreamed and knew she would be. I admire her tenacity, passion, and strength of conviction.

Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
Acts 16:30

Her example reminded me of my own goals for my spiritual life. Do I have the same tenacity, passion, and strength of conviction about my love for Jesus Christ? Could I ask with the same earnestness of the Philippian jailer, “What must I do to be saved?” Could I state with unswerving conviction, “There is nothing more that I want to be than a Christian, a child of God”?

And once I am saved, would I continue as fervently in my faith, always seeking to be more Christ-like?

By God’s grace and mercy, He saved me. And by the continuing sanctification of His salvation, He is transforming me into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.

“There is nothing more that I want to be.”

Let me be a follower and disciple of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.