Hey friends, it’s Roberta here! Today, I wanted to give you a dose of encouragement, especially if you’re in a season where you didn’t get the results you prayed for. I know firsthand that we often pour our hearts into prayer, whether it’s for the bar exam, law school applications, or even job opportunities—and sometimes the answer doesn’t come as we’d hoped. So in this episode, we’re diving into how to keep going, even when the journey takes an unexpected turn.   In the free Grace for the Grind community, we’ve recently been celebrating with people passing the bar exam—and I love that I can rejoice with them. But on the other side, there are also those who haven’t passed yet, who are feeling discouraged. This episode is for them and for anyone feeling disheartened. As I share, remember this: delay is not denial. Sometimes, not getting what you prayed for now is setting you up for something even better down the line.   I also share one of my own “failure” stories, and how looking back, I can see it was a setup for something far greater. There was a time I didn’t make the moot court board, and it stung. I wondered why I had worked so hard, prayed, and still didn’t achieve what I was striving for. Yet, by not making it that first year, I pushed myself to try again—and ultimately succeeded beyond what I’d originally aimed for. It’s a reminder that setbacks can be setups for future victories.   In this episode, I also share a few reflections from my chapter in *The Road to Esquire* and a beautiful testimonial from our annual bar exam prayer call. If you’re feeling the weight of “why not me?” remember that your journey is still in progress. God’s timing is better than ours, and sometimes, we’re simply being prepared for the next level. Key Takeaways: - God’s Timing is Perfect: Sometimes, delay isn’t denial. God may be working on you for something greater than what you currently see.   - Failure Isn’t Final: Not reaching a goal right away doesn’t define your entire journey; it’s often a stepping stone to something greater.   - Celebrate the Journey: Whether you’re currently “blessed and barred” or still on the road, it’s important to maintain faith, positivity, and persistence.    I hope today’s episode lifts your spirit and reminds you that every “no” can ultimately lead to a better “yes.” If you haven’t joined us yet, check out our weekly group devotionals in Grace for the Grind, or grab a copy of The Road to Esquire    Thank you for listening, and remember, God is at work even in your waiting.   Get connected:   Enroll in Blessed & Barred® for a better approach to law school and Bar exam prep: https://iamblessedandbarred.com    Join my FREE online community: https://blessedandbarred.com/community   Sign up for the Bar Prep Blessings email newsletter to stay updated: https://blessedandbarred.com/newsletter   PSA: Your Bar Prep Doesn’t Have to be Hell (Plus a Case Study of Passing the Bar Exam After the First Try): https://robertaoroberts.com/bar-prep-psa/    Links mentioned in episode: The Road to Esquire: Empowering Stories of Black Women Attorneys: https://www.amazon.com/Road-Esquire-Empowering-Stories-Attorneys/dp/B0CCCVCD29   Real Talk About Retaking the Bar Exam: How This Single Mom Passed the Bar Exam While Working Full-Time with Blessed & Barred Alumna Natsha Snell, Esq.: https://robertaoroberts.com/real-talk-about-retaking-the-bar-exam-with-blessed-barred-alumna-natsha-snell-esq/   Real Talk About Retaking the Bar Exam: How This Wife & Mother of Young Children Passed the Bar Exam with Blessed & Barred Alumna Myeedah Leslie-Green, Esq.: https://robertaoroberts.com/real-talk-about-retaking-the-bar-exam-with-blessed-barred-alumna-myeedah-leslie-green-esq/   Real Talk About Retaking the Bar Exam: How She Passed the Bar Exam While Working Full-Time with Blessed & Barred Alumna Paulette Eze, Esq.: https://robertaoroberts.com/real-talk-about-retaking-the-bar-exam-how-she-passed-the-b