Good Success

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

Joshua 1:8

 

I sat in this lecture room listening to this good-looking young man who was rapping out his *clerking in four minutes. I was impressed and I joined others in giving him a round of applause, but I couldn’t help but say to myself, “Debbie, you have a looooooonnnng way to go.” Next was another lady whose well-executed task called for another round of applause.
These two were preparing for the same exam as I was, I had to catch up really fast.

I had returned to the country over a month ago, and was still trying to adjust to the change of environment. It rained pretty often, it was pretty hot at other times, and I forgot how to say greet almost everyone I passed by.

I had no intentions of writing this exam at the time. I just finished med school and I wanted a break, at least for some time. Preparing for this exam was going to be tasking and I needed all the time, besides I wanted to see to other plans asides medicine.
I had explained this to my Dad earlier and he was fine with it. But one day I mentioned to my mum that a family friend who had also just returned intended writing the exam. If I knew that would be my undoing I would have done otherwise. Some days later I had the “come to the parlour” talk with my parents. They had suggested (otherwise insisted, in my opinion) I write the exam along with others. My oh my! Can’t I even live my life again?!

In my head I knew I wasn’t going to write it, my mind was made up. Moreover, it was a decision I initially felt at peace with.
But later I sat to think, why the push and “nos”?

“Just go back and talk to God about it”, I thought.

When I did, I had hoped He’d back up my decision not to write the exam yet, but the impression I got was, “it’s up to you to decide when.” I concluded that I’d write with the next two batches just like I had earlier planned. But then I sat to really consider the matter, and this was the question I asked ‘me’, “why don’t you want to write this exam now?”.

The answer was FEAR.

 

 

As much as all the excuses I had given made sense, the main reason behind this reluctance, I realized, was fear. I was afraid of failing the exam. Not because I could not pass but because I had seen others fail. I heard and saw others who were smart enough, fail. Why did I think I would pass?
I really dislike getting into things unprepared. I had an idea of the kind of preparation I wanted to put in, the kind that would make me confident enough that I had done my best. The kind I felt would give me an opportunity to make the list. Gratefully, I did have that preparation but only within a shorter period.

Once I realized that fear was the main culprit, I began opening up to the idea of writing the exam at this time, and became determined to give it my best shot.
I began contacting people who had written the exam, both those who had made the passlist and those who hadn’t. I needed to know in detail what I was up against. I asked about the exam structure, timing, setting, etc. I asked about the errors the past candidates felt they made, and what they did that helped their success. I am grateful I had good resource.

One big one was Dr Awolehin Gloria…

 

 

Dr Awolehin had asked me if I intended writing the exam and I replied in the negative. I explained to her that I had other things to attend to first. Like I said earlier, this was true but wasn’t the main reason for my refusal.
When I agreed to write the exams I knew I wanted to give it my best shot. It became my sleeping and waking thought. I don’t think that’s a good thing though, but I’m so grateful for how intentional the Comforter was with me at this time. Anxious thoughts filled my mind very often, but with every anxious thought came a corresponding calming thought by the Holy Spirit. It was so real. There were times I felt strong and would say, “Debbie, well you just have to do your best and leave the rest”, but at other times I just feared failure. And I didn’t want to be responsible for it, I wanted to give my best so whatever the outcome I could say, “well you did your best”. These things happen.

 

I got back to Dr Awolehin to inform her that I’d be writing the exam and needed information about it. She poured…she poured like…I can’t find good-enough words now. She listened to my many questions,  gave recommendations, advice and she was the one who insisted and kept reminding me to read “The Guide” series. She told me she read each book in the series more than two times and it paid off, so I made a target to cover each which I did.
She also mentioned that she had attended the Acemedix tutorial. I remembered that the family friend who caused this whole thing had also mentioned Acemedix. So I didn’t have to think far to decide on what tutorial to attend. It was an excellent choice because we were well prepared at the tutorial.

 

Something interesting happened. When I got to know about Dr Awolehin’s success in the exam, I was happy for her, but also felt a connection which became stronger as we talked. It was like a pull to tap into her testimony regarding the exam. When she mentioned to me that she had told God she was going to help others who wanted to write the exam too, then I understood the connection and I tapped into it. God confirmed it with signs following, I mean good success.

 

 

Another beloved friend and Doctor was of great help towards my preparation. Dr (Mrs) Adekoya Omowunmi is a friend with whom I have had some of my best moments. She is a senior colleague and had written this exam about three years earlier. I consulted her and she poured. A highlight was when she insisted I had to know all the physical examinations like the back of my hand. She had told me that I should be able to carry out the examinations even if I was awakened. She gave me a week to be that good, and I took up the challenge.

 

I prayed about everything from start to finish and I got assurance EVERYTIME, but of course my human mind still suffered from bouts of apprehension sometimes.
I also had a whole village praying for me.

 

 

Some months later…

It was a Monday and I had gone for an evening service. When I returned I picked up my phone and turned on my mobile data. Boom! The congratulatory messages flooded in. About six persons congratulated me even before I saw the list or my name. I like this kind of success. It spared me the tension of going through the list unawares. If you’re wondering how I reacted, it was with mixed feelings. It was the kind that hits you some minutes later when you realize the magnitude of the news. I sure returned to tell Him thank you, He did well, showed me mercy, crowned my efforts and kept His Word.

 

That’s what GOOD SUCCESS feels like.

 

Every victory makes you stronger.

 

If you’ve written this exam or any other before, but didn’t get what you wished for, don’t give up. Yeah, it sounds cliché but darling, let it sink in because it’s legit (I hope you understand how I use legit these days).

 

What I have learned from this experience:

• Keep the right company.
• Be open to learning, knowledge is a flowing stream.
• You’ve got a part to play in having good success. Know it and do it.
• Be flexible and truly walk in the Spirit.
• Trust God.

 

Congratulations to the latest FTDs on your induction.

Cheers to greater!

 

What are your success stories? I’d love to hear from you too.

 

Yours Cherrily,

Debbie

 

 

*history taking in medicine.