Akinwande Ebunoto

Stay Away from Frustrated People

One thing I've learned is that not everyone you meet is at peace.

Some people are walking around carrying frustration, bitterness, envy, and anger.

On the outside, they may look normal.

They smile. They talk. They blend into the crowd.

But inside, they are fighting battles they have refused to surrender to God.

The dangerous thing is that frustrated people rarely want to remain alone. They often look for companions to join them in their negativity.

Because they lack vision, they spend their lives competing.

Competing with people they don't know.

Competing with people who are not competing with them.

Competing with every blessing they see in another person's life.

Instead of building, they criticize.

Instead of growing, they compare.

Instead of pursuing purpose, they attack purpose.

The Bible says, "Where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing." (James 3:16)

Be careful who you allow into your circle.

Not everyone deserves access to your mind, your dreams, or your destiny.

Stay away from unnecessary competition.

Stay away from bitterness.

Stay away from negative alliances.

Stay close to God, stay focused on your assignment, and let Him direct your path.

Success Attracts Opportunity: We Are Sitting on a Goldmine

Success attracts opportunity.

When you consistently solve problems, remain committed to your vision, and refuse to quit, opportunities begin to seek you out. That is why the story of Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes is so inspiring. It is not merely the story of one successful woman; it is a reminder of what is possible for Nigerians and Africans who choose to build despite the odds.

She is young. She is a Black woman. She leads in a space where many people doubted her from the outset. Yet today, she has built an investment platform that manages over $80 million in assets. When asked whether she was a billionaire, she did not chase headlines or boast. Instead, she spoke about what she is responsible for—what she manages and the value she creates.

That humility says a great deal.

She openly acknowledged that her journey was not easy. For years, she faced rejection. Investors said no. People doubted her because of her age, gender, and background. She has shared that it took about eight years before the breakthrough came.

Imagine if she had stopped in the fifth year.

Imagine if she had believed everyone who said, "It can't be done."

She stayed committed to the vision, remained persistent, kept learning, and continued showing up. Today, the same world that once doubted her now celebrates her success.

There is a lesson in that for every entrepreneur, researcher, business owner, and dreamer: do not give up too soon.

Another point that stood out to me was her confidence in Nigeria and Africa.

We complain about the economy every day, and yes, the challenges are real. But challenges also create opportunities. Our informal economy remains one of the strongest engines of innovation in the world. Even in difficult times, people are still building businesses, creating wealth, and solving problems.

Years ago, I wrote a book titled Sitting on Goldmine. The central idea was simple: we are surrounded by opportunities, but many people overlook them while searching for greener pastures elsewhere.

We are sitting on good money.

If we fail to recognize the value around us because we believe success only exists abroad, we may miss what God has prepared for us right here in Africa.

Instead of asking only how to leave Nigeria, perhaps we should also ask:

What problem can I solve here?

What opportunity is hidden inside today’s challenge?

That is exactly why investors from around the world continue to show interest in Nigeria. They see opportunities where many of us see only problems.

Another thing I noticed was how simply Adesuwa dresses.

I saw comments on social media questioning her appearance and even asking whether she was truly wealthy because she did not dress like the typical "Instagram billionaire."

That says more about our mindset than it does about her.

Real wealth does not always announce itself.

Some of the wealthiest people are not trying to impress strangers online. They are too busy building companies, managing investments, leading teams, raising families, and creating lasting impact.

Purpose leaves little room for unnecessary performance.

It reminded me of my own experience recently. My daughter needed her hair redone before school. After an extremely busy weekend, I finally started loosening her braids around 2 a.m. We finished around 4 a.m., and instead of sending her to school with loose hair, I sat down and braided another hairstyle myself before morning.

People may ask, "What have you been doing all day?"

The answer is simple: managing multiple responsibilities.

Many purpose-driven people live this way. They are balancing work, family, business, ministry, research, and personal growth all at once. They do not always have time to focus on appearances because they are committed to their assignments.

The same is true for Adesuwa.

She is a wife, a mother, a business leader, and someone entrusted with millions of dollars in investments. Her priority is delivering results, not impressing social media.

If many people suddenly managed an $80 million investment portfolio, they would immediately buy luxury cars, throw extravagant parties, and make sure everyone knew how wealthy they had become.

But lasting success is usually quieter.

It is disciplined.

It is focused.

It understands that purpose is more important than performance.

So do not measure success by wigs, designer clothes, luxury cars, or social media glamour.

Measure it by impact.

Measure it by problems solved.

Measure it by lives changed.

Pursue purpose first. Everything else will fall into place.

If you're interested in joining my Sitting on Goldmine Cohort, send me a private message. I'll be happy to share the registration link with you.

The cohort is completely free, and I would love to have you join us as we discover the opportunities hidden in the challenges around us

First picture is culled from AI while the rest from Adesuwa Rhodes IG account.

Be Careful of Those Who Admire You

Not everyone who admires you loves you.

Some people admire you because they want access to you.

They want to get close enough to learn your habits, understand your weaknesses, discover your secrets, and sometimes use that information against you.

That is why wisdom is so important.

A smile is not always proof of loyalty.

Compliments are not always signs of genuine affection.

Not everyone sitting at your table is celebrating your success.

Jesus Himself had followers, disciples, and crowds, yet He knew the hearts of men and entrusted Himself carefully (John 2:24-25).

Be kind to everyone, but be discerning about who gets access to your life.

Watch your back.

Watch your front.

Watch your right and your left.

Most importantly, hold on to God.

The closer you stay to God, the clearer your discernment becomes.

"The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty." — Proverbs 22:3

Not everyone who smiles with you loves you.

Stay prayerful. Stay wise. Stay close to God.

When People Cannot Explain the Grace of God Upon Your Life

One thing I have discovered is that some people become unusually interested in you, not because they admire you, but because they cannot understand the grace upon your life.

They watch. They investigate. They ask questions. They try to figure out the secret behind God's favor on your life.

I once heard someone say, "I've tried to know who you are. I've searched spiritually to understand you."

But here's the truth: God's blessings cannot always be explained. Grace is not a formula. Favor is not always the result of what people can see.

Many times, I look at my life and all I can say is, "Thank You, Lord." I cannot fully explain how much God has helped me or why He has shown me such mercy. I am simply grateful.

When people cannot explain God's hand upon your life, some will celebrate it while others will become uncomfortable with it.

Remember what Scripture says:

"It is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes." (Psalm 118:23)

Not everyone needs access to your life. Not everyone deserves an explanation.

Protect your peace. Stay humble. Stay grateful. Keep walking with God.

Shalom!

Not everyone speaking into your life is speaking from faith. Some are speaking from frustration, disappointment, and fear. Because they have stopped believing in themselves, they want you to stop believing in what God has placed in your heart.

Be careful whose voice you allow to shape your thinking. If you keep listening to discouraged people, you may begin to doubt the very path God has called you to walk.

The Bible says, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly..." (Psalm 1:1). Refuse to sit under the influence of negativity. Keep your eyes on God and remain focused on your assignment.

Don't let someone's frustration become your destination. Trust God, stay focused, and keep moving forward.

Shalom!

The Enemy’s Noise Is Not Your Defeat
Many people live in fear because they believe the battles against them are too great to overcome. They see opposition, accusations, and attacks and conclude that the enemy has won. But that is not the truth.
The enemy’s strategy has always been deception and manipulation. Jesus called Satan “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). He will use envy, false accusations, and intimidation to distract you from God’s purpose for your life. Just as Joseph and Isaac were envied because of God’s favor upon them (Genesis 37:11; Genesis 26:12-14), opposition often follows those who carry God’s grace.
Do not waste your energy trying to prove yourself to everyone. The Bible says, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12). Your battle is spiritual, and your victory is found in God.
Instead of panicking, run to the Lord. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10). Trust in Christ’s finished work, knowing that “we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us” (Romans 8:37).
Allow God to defend you. “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace” (Exodus 14:14). When people gather against you, spread rumors, or attempt to pull you down, remember that God is your vindicator. If God is for you, no opposition can stop His purpose for your life.
Darkness cannot overcome light. “The light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:5). As God’s light shines upon your life, every lie and hidden work of darkness will eventually be exposed.
So surrender the battle to the Lord. Refuse fear. Refuse distraction. Keep your eyes on Jesus and trust His promises. “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17).
The battle belongs to the Lord (1 Samuel 17:47), and the victory belongs to those who trust in Him.
You are not defeated. You are not abandoned. You are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus.
God bless you.
Shalom!