“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Whether you are male or female, young or old, we all have stories of disappointments that have turned into blessings in disguise.
Here are a couple of examples with which I am personally familiar.
Failure to make it to your school of choice after the Common Entrance Exam, but the school that accepted you turned out to be the best fit in mobilizing your skill sets for future success.
Institutions reneged on promises, but another better opportunity was waiting around the corner. Jealous colleagues wanted to thwart your progress, but their actions actually thrust you faster forward.
So common are these experiences that we are tempted to regard this phenomenon as a Law of the Universe.
Reverend Dr. A. R. Bernard of the Christian Cultural Center wisely reminds us, “Every setback in life is nothing but a setup for a comeback.”
Life’s journey is rarely straight. Unexpected turns, moments of disappointment, and doors shut in our faces are all part of the human experience.
Yet, as Bob Marley so poetically put it, when one door closes, another is open. The challenge lies not in closing the door but in recognizing the new opportunity that awaits.
Too often, rejection diminishes our spirit and clouds our perspective. Yet, in hindsight, we see that what seemed like a loss was divine guidance steering us toward something greater.
In business, love and life, the things we desire most may elude us. A business deal might fall through, a cherished relationship fades, or the dream of homeownership seems just out of reach. In these moments, it is easy to succumb to frustration and despair.
But patience, guided by faith, teaches us perseverance. Sometimes, we are protected from what is not meant for us. What lies ahead may be far greater than anything we initially envisioned. The mournful rejection can be seen as God’s protection and our greatest blessing in disguise.
What often appears as an obstacle is, in reality, a divine redirection. This truth is echoed in the stories of many great leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who endured setbacks before their success. Walt Disney was fired from a newspaper for lacking imagination. Oprah Winfrey was told she wasn’t fit for television. Steve Jobs, famously ousted from Apple, ultimately returned to lead it to historic success. Their stories teach us that temporary setbacks are not the end. Rather, these crucial moments prepare us for greater opportunities.
Our destiny is intricately tied to our relationships. As we grow, we realize that our circle of close companions becomes smaller, not out of loss but out of refinement. We focus on those who uplift and inspire, the people who push us toward our higher purpose.
This shift allows us to channel our energy into meaningful contributions. It allows us to leave behind a legacy that is not merely one of personal success but about uplifting our community and humanity.
In Caribbean culture, resilience is woven into the fabric of our identity. We have faced economic hardships, natural disasters, and societal challenges, yet we continue to rise. Our ability to reinvent ourselves, to find new paths forward, and to believe in a better tomorrow defines us. This same spirit can guide us in our personal and professional journeys.
Every setback tests our resilience, faith, and ability to trust in a higher plan. Overcoming them reveals that what we once saw as failure was, in truth, the foundation for a comeback beyond our wildest dreams.
The next time life tells you no, listen carefully. It may just be God preparing you for an even better and resounding yes.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
(Dr. Basil Springer GCM is a corporate governance adviser. His email address is basilgf@marketplaceexcellence.com. His columns may be found at https://www.nothingbeatsbusiness.com).