In the book of Daniel, the prophet prayed, and God answered immediately. But the angel carrying that answer was delayed by spiritual opposition. The answer was on its way, but it didn’t come without a fight. Isn’t that how life works sometimes? We pray, we hope, we work hard, and when the breakthrough finally arrives, we discover the journey is far from over.

Jim Rohn wisely said, “Don’t wish it were easier, wish you were better.” At first glance, that might seem harsh. But dig deeper, and you’ll find wisdom that transforms lives. Life isn’t handing out smooth rides; it’s offering opportunities to build resilience, sharpen skills, and cultivate the mental toughness needed to hold on to what we earn.

Picture a ship navigating turbulent seas. The captain doesn’t waste energy lamenting the storm or wishing for calmer waters. Instead, they adjust the sails, chart the course, and keep moving forward. This is how we should approach our challenges. When headwinds blow, they aren’t there to defeat us; they’re there to strengthen us.

I used to long for an easier path. I’d hope for clear skies and smooth sailing, thinking that ease was a sign of success. Then reality hit: the path worth walking is rarely easy. It’s filled with resistance that tests our resolve. So, I shifted my mindset.

Now, I expect turbulence. I expect to face many rejections, which strengthens my resolve to hold on for that eventual “yes.”  I anticipate the multiple turbulent days, weeks, or even months before the tides change to smoother waters. When I brace myself for the process, I’m less likely to give up in discouragement because I know it’s just part of the journey.

It’s like going to the gym to build muscle. Resistance isn’t there to stop you; it’s there to grow you. Every storm sharpens my ability to steer through the next.

To stay the course, I feed myself a steady diet of inspiration and focus. What and who I listen to matters. These daily doses of encouragement remind me that persistence, optimism, and grit are my greatest tools in this fight.

So, when the answer comes—and it will—expect to roll up your sleeves and sweat a little to make it work. Expect the battles, the setbacks, and the turbulence. But also expect this: when the breakthrough arrives, the joy of winning the fight will far outweigh the discomfort of the struggle.

“Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.” (Galatians 6:9, CSB)