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What happens when the dreams you have for your life take a different path than you expected?
From a young age, Joanna Horst dreamed of becoming a pediatrician. Growing up in a Christian home, she developed a deep love for children, especially those with significant medical needs. But when the time came to pursue her dream, the path ahead looked very different from what she had imagined.
In this episode of the Faith Conversations Podcast, Joanna shares how her relationship with God shaped her decisions about education, marriage, motherhood, and career. Guided by Proverbs 3:5–6, she learned to trust God with her ambitions, even when following Him meant setting aside her own plans.
What began as a career in neonatal nursing eventually led Joanna into healthcare leadership, where she earned a doctorate in nursing practice and became the chief nursing officer of a children's hospital.
Along the way, she discovered that God's calling wasn't simply about where her career would take her. It was about faithfully serving Him in every season, whether caring for vulnerable children, raising her family, or leading others with compassion and integrity.
Joanna's story is an encouraging reminder that God's plans don't always unfold on our timeline. Sometimes the path we never expected becomes the very place where we see His faithfulness most clearly.
If you've ever wondered whether your dreams have been forgotten or struggled to trust God with the direction of your life, this conversation is for you.
God's faithfulness isn't measured by how quickly our plans unfold. Joanna's journey shows how trusting Him in each season can shape a life of meaningful service at home and at work.
Proverbs 3:5–6 (NASB) — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart”…
Psalm 37:5 (NASB) — “Commit your way to the LORD”…
Ephesians 2:10 (NASB) — “For we are His workmanship”…
Colossians 3:23 (NASB) — “Whatever you do, do your work heartily”…
Philippians 1:6 (NASB) — “He who began a good work in you”…
New to the Bible? Read the Gospel of John.
Do you want a relationship with God too?
If you have never made the choice to accept Jesus' offer – a gift, not by works – to be restored to the original design for your life, which is a relationship with God, now is the time. There is an article in Jessica's Engage Faith Column that will help you understand who He is, who you are, what choice you have, and what happens when you make the decision.
Visit What Is the Message of the Gospel? to read the message of God's good news for mankind and to find a sample prayer that you can pray today.
The importance of a Biblical faith community:
All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and to experience God through community. Listeners from the Northern Virginia area are welcomed at Burke Community Church. We are not designed to be alone; we're designed for a community of faith.
To stay connected:
Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook @faithconversationspodcast and sign up for Jessica's Engage Faith communications for updates and inspiration.
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