From Confusion to Clarity: A Journey of Purpose and Faith

FROM CONFUSION TO CLARITY

My name is Mary, a 22-year-old student of Food Science at the University of Ilorin; one of the most sought-after universities in Nigeria. Looking back at the journey that brought me here, I realize now that I’ve become a new being.

Is it my association with people?

My spiritual life?

The world beyond what I could ever imagine?

I’d say it’s all of the above.

Coming to Ilorin wasn’t part of my plan. Neither was studying Food Science. In fact, nothing about how things unfolded was what I had hoped for. At 20, many of my mates were already graduating, while I was still at home, uncertain and discouraged. When the opportunity finally came to move and study, I took it; even though it felt like I was just accepting “whatever came my way.”

But now I understand: it wasn’t random. It was divine alignment.

When I arrived in Ilorin, I met my roommate; a 300-level student who took me to her church. That day changed everything.

I found peace.

I felt a relief I never knew I needed.

I told myself, “This is my church. I will worship here.”

Coming from a family that wasn’t deeply rooted spiritually, I never expected to have hunger for God the way I suddenly did. But it was as if the state of Harmony had been waiting to ignite that fire in me.

Even after becoming a believer, I struggled with purpose. I often asked myself: “What will I do with my life?”

Studying Food Science and graduating at 24… then what? Become a teacher? Get married? Those weren’t bad paths, but they weren’t mine. I wanted more. I wanted clarity.

From 100 level, I began praying: Lord, be it in a dream, a vision, or a Bible verse show me my path. Reveal Yourself to me. Help me understand.

Matthew 21:22 says,

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.

But it wasn’t until 300 level that my prayer received its answer through an unexpected person.

One day, a friend of mine; someone I had only worked with briefly during a class presentation reached out. We hadn’t really spoken before, so when he asked to see me, I thought he was just being unserious. But something in my spirit said, “Listen.”

Weeks passed, and we didn’t meet. Eventually, we started a conversation online. He asked me a simple question:

> “What new thing have you encountered in school or experienced since moving to this state?”

I paused and reflected. I realized that I had become someone new. I began to share about my spiritual growth, about the hunger for Christ, and how I had found peace.

Then the conversation shifted. He asked me:

> “What do you consider success?”

I answered, “An easy life, getting what I want without struggle, and not following in the footsteps of my parents.”

But what he said next hit me like lightning. It was the answer I had been praying for.

He said:

> “God specifically puts specific people in specific families for a specific reason.”

“You were sent to this earth for a purpose. And when you discover that purpose, everything you’ve experienced; no matter how confusing; begins to make sense. It’s all in alignment. It’s all part of God's design.”

That was it. That was my answered prayer.

Everything— the delays, the confusion, the disappointments, the detours; they were not punishments. They were alignment. I had been in purpose all along, even when I didn’t realize it.

Isaiah 40:31 says

“But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

So, to whoever is reading this—

What mountain are you facing right now that feels impossible to move?

What uncertainty is clouding your future?

Pray.

Fast.

Trust in the Lord.

He hears you; even when you don’t feel it.

He’s aligning things for you; even when it looks like confusion.

He’s working behind the scenes; even when all seems still.

Wait on Him.

You’re not lost.

You’re becoming.