I wrote JAMB examinations (University & Polytechnic qualifying examinations in Nigeria) six times before I eventually gained admission into the University. I remember one of those years, a dear “concerned” brother decided to fetch me the leaked papers to prevent another failure, but I humbly declined. I decided to go through the pain of process.

Friend, there are two kinds of pain in life; the pain of process and the pain of problem. The pain of process are the inconveniences you go through and the sacrifices you pay in order to fulfil your destiny. While the pain of problem are the consequences you suffer when you boycott process.

It appears easier and cheaper to boycott process but it is costlier and painful at the end. As a student, why would you go through the hassle of burning the midnight oil to get good grades in school when you can easily pay your way through and obtain the certificate via fraudulent means? But the consequences are far reaching. You need to study to show yourself approved (2 Timothy 2:15).

As a young lady, why would you keep yourself pure as you make do with the little money you are making from your growing business when you can easily spend the weekend with “Sugar Daddies” and have all your needs met? The pain of loss of dignity, unwanted pregnancies and several complications that follow is costlier. A virtuous woman is far precious than rubies (Proverbs 31:10).

As a pastor, why would you ensure that you grow your Church through proper discipleship and leadership development when you can easily lower standards and allow just anything? The pain of breakages and disorderly congregation is more painful. You need to build to last, not just to shine (Matthew 7:24-27).

As a businessman, why would you go through the painful process of building your business on the right standards of integrity and commitment when you can easily cut corners? The pain of watching what you have laboured to build crumble before your very eyes in the future can be very devastating. Diligence and integrity are the rules of the game (Proverbs 22:29).

As you go into today, remember thatthe future does not belong to the man doing it quick but to the man doing it right.” It is better to go through the pain of process than the pain of problem. You may appear slow in the eyes of others but the future will tell. Refuse the temptation to cut corners. Don’t keep secret with the devil, he would reveal it when you least expect. Shortcuts cut men short in destiny.

© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria