A wealthy businessman was asked on TV how he succeeded. People thought he was born rich. But he said, “I came from poverty. That struggle built me. I moved from grass to grace.” That line taught me something: it’s not the man that makes the road. The road makes the man.
Friend, God uses the path you walk to prepare you for the destiny ahead. Every man is a product of the road they have walked in life. God would take you through the road that would make you fit for your destiny (Hebrews 12:1-2). Sometimes, that path is rough. That’s often a sign of a great destiny ahead (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
Before you desire someone’s greatness, check the road they walked (Hebrews 6:12). If people knew what Joseph endured, they would think twice about wanting his seat. He was thrown in a pit, sold as a slave, lied against, and jailed before he got to the palace. Can you walk that road to get to the palace (Genesis 50:20)?
I once heard a wise man pray, “May your road be rough.” No one said Amen. But it’s a good prayer (Psalm 119:71). A rough road builds capacity in you. God uses it to develop stamina, character, and strength for where you are going (Exodus 13:17-18). What feels like delay is actually training. God is not wasting your season.
When the road is rough, it forces you to trust God (Psalm 20:7). Trusting God is one of the biggest secrets to an enduring life. Many people quit when opposition comes because they never learned to lean on God. Joseph and David’s rough roads built a faith in God that defeated the Goliaths in their lives (1 Samuel 17:34-37).
Stop asking, “What’s wrong with me?” Start asking, “What’s right with me?” A rough road is not proof that God left you. He promised to be with us in fire and water (Isaiah 43:2). He walks with us even in the valley of the shadow of death. Be careful when life is too easy. You may be walking the devil’s path. When your road is rough, don’t break. Be strong and rejoice (Psalm 66:10-12).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria