As I reflect on 2022, I realize that my will was absolutely tested on countless occasions. It was the year where a series of rejection emails revisited my door step in harmony. My self esteem certainly took an unexpected hit however, I’m also grateful to have understood that sometimes cultivating a more persevering spirit is not an option but rather the norm.
As fate would have it, I was welcomed to join the Acumen West Africa Fellowship Program towards the end of the year. The irony of this outcome is how sick I had abruptly become throughout the two-day interview. The insistent coughing and the sweats that profusely escaped through my pores refused to be suppressed by all the remedies sought for. So one could imagine my disbelief when months later, I was selected amongst the 2% of applicants.
It was at this moment where it became clear that when an opportunity has your name inscribed on it, there is absolutely no way it will pass you by. Regardless of how long it spins around the block, it will eventually make its way to your doorstep- believe that. This part of the success equation has to be what some of us call Favor. The other part is by no doubt Hard work- which absolutely travels alongside luck.
While in Nigeria with my co-Fellows earlier this month, I understood some of us had applied to join the Fellowship several times in the past while others were given the opportunity at the first shot. But here is what I found even more fascinating; the timing seemed to have aligned so perfectly with each Fellow’s professional journey. One year before or after, it may not have made sense. And this was when it hit me- the missing part of the equation you can partially control through discernment is Timing. As it’s beautifully shared in Proverbs 19:21, “you can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” So the next time you encounter a rejection, just smile and affirm that it’s a redirection to God’s purpose for you. The sun always shines, how much more you?