From Closed Doors to the Place God Had Prepared;

In January, I began searching for an internship—a compulsory part of completing my degree. I sent my CV to almost every possible organization across different sectors and attended interviews, hoping that one door would finally open.

But somehow, every door that seemed to be opening was closed.

I was constantly told that I would probably have to go to Colombo, that there were very few opportunities in Kandy, and that finding an internship that suited me would be difficult. As the days passed and my deadline drew closer, I became increasingly frustrated and discouraged.

At that point, I began to wonder, “Why is this so difficult?”

Having a good GPA, being on the Dean’s List, taking part in extracurricular activities, and working hard throughout university suddenly seemed insignificant because none of it was opening the door I needed.

Eventually, I stopped trying to control everything myself.

I gave it completely to God.

I remember surrendering it to Him and simply trusting that He would make a way where there seemed to be no way.

And He did.

Just a few days before my deadline, God opened a door I could never have planned for myself— Lakeside Adventist Hospital. Not only did He provide me with an internship, but He placed me in the healthcare sector, an environment I had always wanted to experience.

I didn't have to leave Kandy. I didn't have to move away from home. I could travel to work every day and return home. Looking back now, I realize that God wasn't late.

He was preparing something better than what I was trying to arrange for myself.

From the very first day I stepped into the hospital, I had a quiet assurance in my heart that God had brought me there. Somehow, the environment felt right—as though the place had been prepared specifically for this season of my life.

I was blessed with a supervisor who was friendly, approachable and easy to work with, and who taught, guided and trusted me throughout my internship. I was given opportunities to go beyond simply observing—to learn, participate, take responsibility, explore different departments and contribute wherever I could.

And then there was something I had been afraid of before starting.

I wondered whether working full-time would leave me with less time for God. I worried that perhaps the busyness of an internship would create distance between God and me.

But once again, I was wrong.

This internship did not take me away from God.

It brought me closer to Him.

The morning devotions at the hospital became a special part of my days. They gave me opportunities to pause, listen, learn and begin each morning in God's presence. Through this experience, I learned that God can meet us even in our workplaces and that our ordinary days can become places where He teaches us extraordinary things.

There were difficult moments too. There were moments of uncertainty, disappointment, opposition and loneliness. But through every one of them, God remained faithful.

And now, standing at the end of this journey, I can see what I couldn't see in January.

The closed doors were not rejection.

They were redirection.

God knew where I needed to be long before I did.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
— Jeremiah 29:11

My heartfelt gratitude goes to Pastor Gobinath Ponnusami and Mr. Ruwan Wijethunga for giving me this valuable opportunity, for trusting me, and for allowing me to learn and gain exposure throughout the hospital.

But above everything, I thank God.

I thank Him for knowing my limitations, understanding what I needed, and choosing the right place and the right time for me. I thank Him for giving me something that I could not find through my own efforts.

This journey taught me one of the most important lessons I could have learned—not only as a student, but as a person:

No matter how hard we try to accomplish everything through our own strength and ability, there will always be things beyond our control. But when we surrender them to Christ, He can make a way where we cannot see one.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
— Philippians 4:13

God never promised that the journey would always be easy. Sometimes He takes His children through seasons of waiting, rejection, uncertainty, loneliness and disappointment.

But He never leaves us in those seasons alone.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
— Hebrews 13:5

Sometimes we become so focused on when something will happen that we forget that God's timing is never accidental.

I wanted an internship in January.

God gave me one just before I thought I had run out of options.

And today, I can honestly say:

His timing was better than mine.

What I thought was a delay was preparation.

What I thought was rejection was redirection.

What I thought was an unanswered prayer was God preparing an answer I could not yet see.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
— Proverbs 3:5

As I close this chapter, I don't want to take credit for how far I've come.

God made the way. God opened the door. God sustained me. And God was with me every step of the way.

All I had to do was trust, surrender and keep walking.

And if there is one thing I want to carry forward from this experience, it is this:

When you have done everything you can, surrender the rest to God.

His plan is greater.

His timing is perfect.

And He always knows what is best for His children.

To God be all the glory.

“For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever!” — Romans 11:36 ✨

Abigail Joanna Arasaratnam, a third-year Business Administration student, joined Lakeside Adventist Hospital as an intern and has been with us for the past six months. As her internship comes to an end, Abigail has shared her experience at Lakeside Adventist Hospital and reflected on the valuable lessons, skills, relationships, and professional exposure she gained during her time with us. Thank you, Abigail, for being a part of the Lakeside Adventist Hospital family!