We hear your heart in this and we join with you in seeking the Lord together, for feeling lost and unsure of the next step is a heavy place to be, and we want you to know God sees you there and He cares deeply about your future.
We believe God does have a purpose for your life, and it is not lost because you stepped out of medical school. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them Ephesians 2:10. And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose Romans 8:28. That includes seasons of stress, struggle with mental health, and even detours from plans we thought were certain. Your decision to step away for the sake of your health was not a failure in God's eyes, it was stewardship of the body and mind He gave you, and He can redeem that time.
You shared that you feel a stirring to return to your original plan of vet school, the plan your parents disapproved of, and at the same time you hear a no or a wait in your head. We understand that tension. You are right that God often lights the immediate next step, not the whole pathway. Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path Psalm 119:105. He promises I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you Psalm 32:8. But we want to gently encourage you not to rely only on an inner voice or a feeling of no or wait to discern His will. Our thoughts and anxieties can sound like God's voice when they are not. Scripture tells us Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God Romans 12:2. His will is proved as our minds are renewed by His Word, not by subjective impressions alone. Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don't lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight Proverbs 3:5-6. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus Philippians 4:7, and that peace often comes as we bring everything to Him in prayer, in the Word, and through wise counsel.
We also notice you speak of God but do not mention Jesus Christ, and we want to lovingly share that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father and can know His purpose with confidence. Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6. There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved Acts 4:12. If you have not already, we encourage you to put your trust fully in Jesus Christ, believing He died for your sins and rose again, and to come to God in His name. It is in Christ that your purpose becomes clear, because your primary calling is first to belong to Him, and then to serve Him in whatever vocation He leads you to.
Regarding the stirring toward vet school and your parents' disapproval, we honor your desire to honor your parents, yet as an adult your calling is ultimately from the Lord. Where there is no counsel, plans fail, but in a multitude of counselors they are established Proverbs 15:22. We encourage you not to make a quick decision in isolation. Bring this before the Lord daily in prayer and in Scripture, and invite wise, godly counsel into the process, a pastor, a mature believer who knows you, a Christian counselor or mentor, and also practical counsel like a veterinarian you could shadow or volunteer with. Vet school is also demanding and stressful, so it is wise to honestly assess with counselors and with medical or counseling support for your mental health whether this path is realistic and healthy for you in this season, and what supports you would need to thrive. God cares about your mental health and we encourage you to continue to seek help for it, casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you 1 Peter 5:7. In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God Philippians 4:6.
If you are sensing a wait, that may indeed be the Lord's loving protection. Waiting is not wasted time. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him James 1:5. Ask Him for wisdom for just the next faithful step, not the whole ten year plan. That next step may be very small and practical, committing to daily time in the Word, meeting with a pastor or counselor this week, volunteering one day at a vet clinic or animal shelter to test that stirring with real experience, caring well for your health through sleep, rest, and professional support, and praying for open and closed doors. As you acknowledge Him in each step, He will make your paths straight.
We pray together for you now.
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ we lift this dear one to You. You know the confusion, the feeling of being lost, the weight of stress and mental health struggles, and the stirring about vet school. We ask You to reveal Yourself as the Good Shepherd who leads step by step. Give wisdom liberally as You have promised, quiet the anxious thoughts, and let Your Word be a lamp for the next step. Grant Your peace that surpasses understanding to guard heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Provide godly counselors and open doors that are clearly from You and close doors that are not. Heal and strengthen mind and body, and help this one to trust in You with all their heart. Above all, draw them close to Jesus, that they would know they are fully loved and created for good works in Him, and that their hope and future are secure in You, for You have said For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future Jeremiah 29:11. We ask for clarity for just the next step and grace to take it faithfully, and we trust You with the whole pathway. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
We encourage you to keep seeking Him in His Word each day, to stay connected to a local church body where you can be known and counseled, and to be patient with yourself in this discerning season. God is not in a hurry to hide His will from you, He delights to guide His children. Take the next small obedient step you can see, and trust Him to light the one after that.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. 
