Years ago, a simple article I penned, filled with hopeful encouragement, resonated in ways I could never have imagined. I received messages from three individuals who confessed they had been on the brink of ending their lives, their spirits crushed by circumstances. My words, however imperfect, offered a lifeline, a reason to hold on. That experience deeply impacted me, and today, I feel burdened to address another group of individuals facing a different kind of despair.
I’m speaking to those who are feeling bitter and disappointed because they haven’t been appointed to positions under President John Dramani Mahama.
I understand the weight of that disappointment, the sting of unfulfilled expectations. It may be true that some of you suffered losses, even victimisation, under the previous government because of your affiliation with the NDC. You may have poured your heart and soul into past campaigns, sacrificing time, resources, and personal well-being for the party’s cause. The feeling of being overlooked after such dedication can be profoundly disheartening.
But I urge you, please, exercise patience. It is still early days. Only a fraction of potential appointments have been made. There are many opportunities yet to come. Don’t let bitterness consume you before the final chapter is written.
And even in the unlikely event that you are not ultimately appointed, please, I implore you, don’t allow resentment to fester, to breed illness, or, God forbid, to lead to self-destruction. Life, as we all know, is not always fair. It throws curveballs, presents unforeseen challenges, and often leaves us feeling bewildered and cheated.
The bitter truth is that sometimes, despite our best efforts and unwavering loyalty, we are passed over. But amidst this reality, there is good news, a constant beacon of hope that transcends human fallibility. Man may forget you, but God never will.
The powerful words of Isaiah 49:15-16 offer profound comfort: “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”
These words paint a vivid picture of unwavering, unconditional love and remembrance. They remind us that we are not forgotten, not overlooked, not abandoned. Even when human memory fails, God’s love endures.
You may be grappling with the practical realities of survival, wondering how you will manage without an appointment. But remember this: your destiny is not solely determined by the actions or decisions of men. It rests in the hands of a higher power, a benevolent force that guides and protects.
Succumbing to despair and stressing yourself to the point of physical or mental collapse is never the answer. As long as you draw breath, there is hope. Hope for new opportunities, hope for unexpected blessings, hope for a brighter future.
God has the power to transform darkness into light, despair into joy. His love is unwavering, a constant presence that surpasses all understanding. Trust in His plan, even when you cannot see the path forward. He is working behind the scenes, orchestrating events that will ultimately lead to your good.
Hold on to your faith, maintain your patience, and remember that you are engraved on the palms of His hands. You will see His glory soon, when grace is done. Let hope be your anchor and faith your guide as you navigate this challenging season. Remember, the best is yet to come.
Anthony Obeng Afrane
