by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Apr 29, 2017 | Uncategorized |
What is the situation that is threatening your existence; your job, health or peace of mind? What situation is causing you so much fear and panic that you’re confused and don’t know what to do? You may have even sought counsel but all your efforts to do things right doesn’t seem to work yet? You have employed legal means in order to retain your rightful possession yet justice and freedom is still a mirage. Let me share with you a similar case to yours, and how victory was won.
Sometimes ago in history, a great multitude of the enemies of Israel were united in battle against them. The scriptures recorded it this way, “Now it came about after this that the sons of Moab and the sons of Ammon, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat.” 2 Chronicles 20:1. Their intention was to displace Israel from their inheritance and take control of their rightful possession. The steps taken by Jehoshaphat and the people to achieve victory is worthy of note. Let’s go over them together.
He acknowledged his helplessness
The news of the enemies advancing towards Israel feared Jehoshaphat, especially knowing his military capacity could not withstand the joint forces of the enemies. Military wise, Israel could not match their combined military strength except with the help of God. Therefore, he confessed his helplessness to God saying, “We have no power against such multitude. We do not know what to do? Our eyes are upon you” (Vs. 6). Jehoshaphat acknowledges the sovereign dominion of the Divine Providence, and as such he and his people sought God’s intervention over the vast enemy.
The truth is, heaven helps only those who cannot help themselves. It is only those who recognizes their inefficiencies that enjoys God’s intervention. Like apostle Peter, you may have toiled all night or employed several methods which have failed, but if you can trust God absoultely, and prayerfully follow his counsel, you will surely win!
He recalled past victories
In praying, Jehoshaphat recalled the testimonies of God’s deliverance from enemies and the spectacular miracles wrought by the power of God. His confidence was strengthened by the testimonies of the past. I believe that testimonies are faith boosters. Whenever your confidence and hope declines, recall the past testimonies of victories, and this will strengthen your faith to overcome the prevailing predicaments. This is another proven secret to overcoming life battles.
He led the people to praise God
Finally they were instructed by God to proceed with the battle; with assurance that He will fight for them. Jehoshaphat and the people eulogized God and praised him for his might deeds. They magnified God above the threats of the enemy. Their method was to praise the beauty of God and watch God fight their enemies.
They extol the attributes of God and testified saying,
1. You are the God of our father’s
2. You are the God of heaven
3. You rule over the Kingdom of the nation’s
4. You have all power and might
5. No one is able to withstand you
6. You are our God
7. You drove the Canaanites out before Israel
8. You have their land to the descendants of your eternal friend
9. They have dwealt there
10. They have built you a sanctuary for your name.
He remembered the promises of God
Furthermore, he recalled the covenant made in the temple during its dedication by Solomon. Vs 6- 9. He recalled, “…They have told us when we when in trouble, and stand before this house, in your presence, crying to you in affliction, you will hear and help. One secret to overcoming life battles is to hold on to the promises of God. His promises are never failing. “Yes”, and “Amen” in Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 1:20. There is nothing challenging you that God has not made provision for. He has a word for every situation. You only need to take hold of His promises, and your victory is sure!
Who or where do you run to when you are faced with a challenge? Where do you draw strength from whenever you are tossed to and fro by the storms of life? Yes, “Some people trust in themselves- their ideologies, education or even their wealth. Some trust in chariots and horses… Psalm 20:7. Help doesn’t come from the hills, not even from the ends of the earth. Help comes from God; true and lasting help from the maker of heavens and earth. Psalm 121:2. The help sought from mediums, witchcraft, illuminati or any other satanic group doesn’t last, and it’s ultimate requirement is the destruction of the soul. Don’t seek help from them; seek God and live!
It is sad that many times we quickly forget the mercies of the past and complain whenever we are in trouble. I like the words of Ralph Emerson; he said, “All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.” Yes, God expects us to remember his past dealings with us and draw strength from it and believe that he’s able to secure our future.
God discomfited the enemy whilst the Israelites praised him. Perhaps the victory you need to overcome this threats is in praising God and testifying to His goodness. Come on, stop complaining! Rise up, face your fear with praises. Your victory is assured when you pray. You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Apr 27, 2017 | Uncategorized |
If admonition is medicine to the soul, what does jokes and gossips do? Sharing jokes excites our emotions, and help us forget our bad memories, and that’s for a moment! However, words of encouragement works like energy pills that can give us the strength that we need to overcome the obstacles that lay between us and our objectives. Yes, they are like gracious words, which are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Prov 16:24
Having read YWAW posts, Felipe has this to say: “You have touched some nice points here. Any way keep up writing. I love what you guys are up to. This sort of clever work and coverage! Keep up the good works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to blogroll…I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers…”
In responding to a post another frequent reader said, “Thanks for sharing this thought what an eye opener to developing projects. “Ultimate success depends on our ability to explore our resourcefulness when resources fail”. This is a guiding thought..” -Ishola B
What do you often share? How often do you share jokes or funny videos? You complain of not having internet data to read motivating posts but you frequently download and share funny videos and fake or bad news. Yes, you may not be good at writing but you can share admonishing posts of others, perhaps a hopeless or disillusioned neighbour would get consolation, live and be energized!
‘In a world where challenges abound, it’s easy for us to feel discouraged. The thought of giving up is always present in our minds just because there is no one we can turn to for words of encouragement. Everyone is too busy with his own affairs. This makes forget our moral obligation to each other being a part of a family or society.’
Perhaps you have been so used to bad and demoralizing news that you don’t think anything good is still happening around you. In the midst of the heartbreaking news around the world are news of achievements, innovations and successes. You frequently hear of news of recession, embezzlement, terrorism and death, but how often do you read news of economic booms and financial abundance in many quarters?
There are so many platforms like, YWAW (Yes we are winning) blog that provides informative, encouraging and motivating articles that can energize you to achieve your life purpose and focus on possibilities. The choice is yours! Now grateful to her parents, another blogger shared her thoughts on one of the posts, “I didn’t listen to them, unfortunately, even though my parents were telling me about this for a long time…right on your posts I got the needed info to know this.”
Just a click on any YWAW posts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and whats app, you will read and share practical life tips and articles relating to current affairs. Someone desperately needs your help. Join the winning team and spread hope to the hopeless.
To share, scroll to the bottom of the post and click any of the social media icon of your choice, and send to your contacts. You can also register, read amazing comments, and tell your own story to encourage others. Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Apr 24, 2017 | Uncategorized |
Have you ever felt like you couldn’t do something you really wanted to do because you just did not have the resources to do it? Have you ever felt inadequate because you think that those who are successful in their career have the wherewithal that you do not have, and as such you think your deplorable condition is excusable? In any case, I have got a special story to share with you today about how a boy defied his obstacles through resourcefulness.
David’s Curriculum Vitae seemed appealing to Saul who had doubted the ability of the young lad to go against Goliath. The fearless Shepherd boy was confident that the invisible hand that gave him victory when his flock was attacked by wild beast, is able to give him victory over the formidable opponent. Still not convinced, Saul retorted, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” Truly, It made no human sense that a little boy who is not experienced in battle would attempt to fight a well-armed Goliath, who is adjudged a Champion, one who had been trained in the act of war from his Youth.
But David, confident of his unpublished, yet brave exploits, was certain that the same invincible guardian would give him nerve and strength to overcome this more dangerous encounter. With this tenacity of purpose, and steadfast faith, he replied Saul saying, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it.” (I Samuel 17:34-35). Amazing as his testimonials is, his experience with the animals cannot replace the military prowess that is required to defeat the proud Giant who threatened the armies of Israel, and defied their God.
For forty days, Saul and his army camped in the valley of Elah, but none had courage to confront this powerful enemy. Eventually, Saul agreed that David should fight Goliath, probably by virtue of his display of brevity and faith in God because I don’t know what would make Saul want to allow an inexperienced little shepherd boy to go to battle against a proven warrior like Goliath. The next step was to equip David with the weapons of war, and the available resource was the armory of the fearful King Saul. “Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head.” (Vs. 38).
Alas, David was dressed like a warrior, but he could not move because he was not used to them. “Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.” (Vs. 40). Yes, that is resourcefulness – the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties. “Let Saul’s coat be ever so rich, and his armour ever so strong, what is David the better if they fit him not?”1 When what is needed for success is not available, a resourceful mind will invent a tool to achieve the feat.
A resourceful person will always make opportunity to fit his/her needs. According to Naomi Wolf, ” Obstacles, of course, are developmentally necessary: they teach kids strategy, patience, critical thinking, resilience and resourcefulness. “I do believe that out of adversity comes incredible resourcefulness”, opined Phil Keoghan* For David, his obstacle was the weight of the armoury, and of course his inability to use them. Hence, he resolved to devise a clever and more fitting way to defeat the proud enemy. Five smooth stones from the stream, and his sling was the product of critical and strategic thinking, and resourcefulness.
Many people who have remained in a state of poverty tends to blame their predicaments or failures on the lack of resources. But the fact is that it is the lack of resourcefulness, and not the lack of resources that causes failure. In every man lies the seed of greatness. The difference between a successful man and a mediocre is the ability to explore the ingenuity within. It is not the resources you have available, but the resourcefulness in you that determines your success. In the words of Robert A. Heinlein, “At least once every human should have to run for his life, to teach him that milk does not come from supermarkets, that safety does not come from policemen, that ‘news’ is not something that happens to other people…his life depends on his agility, alertness, and personal resourcefulness.”
Lots of people blame their failures on others, and some blame the leadership, or society for their difficulties. In as much as we know that we can suffer from the decision or indecision of others, it is noteworthy that our ultimate success depends on our ability to explore our resourcefulness when our resources fail. William C. Menninger writes, “The amount of satisfaction you get from life depends largely on your own ingenuity, self-sufficiency, and resourcefulness. People who wait around for life to supply their satisfaction usually find boredom instead.“
Creativity is probably your most valuable asset when it comes to getting anything you want: more money, the perfect partner, a better body, a better career. Money is not everything! Yes, no matter what you want in life or how expensive it seems, experience has shown that you don’t always have to have money to get what you want. Resourcefulness is more important than resources. If you are creative, and persistent, resourcefulness will make up for what you lack in material resources.
What values do you add to your organization? Resourceful people are perceived as high-value employees. When the chips are down, only intelligent, creative and value-adding employees have the chance to be retained. Every serious employer looks for employees with amazing problem-solving skills, and not liabilities who only seek to make ends meet. “A very good case can be made, on moral as well as economic grounds, for a system in which the individual is required to stand on his own feet, not to lean on the state for handouts. Character, resourcefulness, capacity are formed and developed in struggle with obstacles, not in waiting passively for benefits from outside.“2
Think brilliantly, think big, and explore the potential in you. There’s certainly no limit to a man with tenacity of purpose, and a resourceful mind. You are winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
1 Matthew Henry
2William Henry Chamberlin
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Apr 22, 2017 | Uncategorized |
How long and how seriously have you toiled without a desired result? Are you worried that many people do not know what you are passing through, and those who know have shown no care? Even the friendship you cherished and took consolation in has hit the rock, and you are left alone and lonely. The very people who were devoted to you in your prosperity have abandoned you in your adversity. Or is the reality that your contemporaries have gone passed you in the race despite your efforts, connections, or even prayers a reason why you think your life is worthless? Hey, you are not the only one! “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”1
Yes, we all go through various challenges, and at various degrees too. But while some gets better by pains, and are poised to succeed; others get plunged into doubts, defeats and desperation. According to Danny Deaube, “There are some things we learn on stormy seas that we never learn on calm smooth waters. We don’t look for storms but they will surely find us. The God of the Storm” has something to teach us, and His love always drives His actions.” At every point when the turbulence of the storms toss you to and fro and threatens to upturn you, you can either chose to whine about the noise or rest absolutely in the quiet and sure promises of God.
The story of Derek Redmond is an inspirational story of persistence to finish a race and of a father’s heart. Though he wasn’t going to eventually win the price but he was determined to get to the finish line. The race of life is not to the swift or the battle to the strong… time and chance happen to them all, counsels the wise King counsel (Eccl 9:11). Derek Redmond was favored to win in the 400m sprint at the 1992 Olympics. But when he tore a hamstring halfway through the race his dream died. But his determination to finish the race, with his father by his side became a defining moment of the games.
Therefore, there is absolutely no reason to fight for the first position in the race of life. What is important is getting to the place of your dreams. If a 17-year-old boy becomes the youngest professor, and another man bags his first degree at age 70, both men would be applauded for excellence, and the latter would inspire many never to give up on their dreams. “If the storm of life gives you a big blow, don’t worry, just give it a great smile and pursue to leave distinctive footprints with perseverance and tenacity regardless of how arduous the errand may be. It may not be so easy but, dare to win!” 2
I have prayed for you that your inner eyes will be opened to see beyond your doubts and fears. That instead of crying over the scars, you will look at the stars –looking up and above the hills where your help comes from, even unto Christ – the finisher of your faith-Hebrews 12:1. Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. Whilst the disciples of Jesus were battling with accomplishments in their secular career, Jesus gave his counsel for them to launch into the deep. “And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless, at thy word I will let down the net.” -Luke 5:5.
Yes, I agree that you have tried your best, and done all within your capacity, yet no good reward still. But trust me, your self-pity will get you nowhere. You must have the adventurous daring to accept yourself instead of retorting to hopelessness. The storm will pass and you will survive! So, if you catch hell don’t hold it, if you are going through hell don’t stop! Move forward. Go ahead. You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
1 Oscar Wilde
2Ernest Agyemang Yeboah
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Apr 17, 2017 | Uncategorized |
It is said that on the evening of June 18, 1815 a man stood in the tower of England’s Winchester Cathedral gazing anxiously out to sea. At last he found what he was looking for – a ship sending a signal by use of lights. He strained to see the message. All of England held its breath with him, wanting to know the outcome of the war between their military leader, the Duke of Wellington, and the French dictator Napoleon Bonaparte. Bonaparte, who had once ruled all of Europe bar England remained a threat, and now the decisive Battle of Waterloo had been fought.
So, as he stood in the tower of Winchester Cathedral our man waited to relay the news that would determine England’s future. The signal came just as a heavy fog was rolling in. It only just got through, but how he wished it hadn’t, for the signal read: “Wellington defeated” The man signalled to other stations and the news spread across the countryside, bringing great gloom and sadness. But then a great reversal. The fog lifted, and the message was sent again, this time in full: “Wellington defeated the enemy”. Joy? Happiness? Delirium! Wellington had won!
On Good Friday it seemed the message was “Christ defeated”, but three days later we discover that the message had not been received in full. The resurrection reverses what we initially thought and declares “Christ defeated the enemy!”1 Satan may have thought that he had halted God’s plan of salvation, but alas, on the morning of the third day God raised Jesus from the dead, and by this he perfected the work of salvation to redeem the world from destruction.
The event that changed the world’s calendar, and would determine her future is the news that God appeared on earth in human form, in the person of Jesus the Messiah; He lived, was killed, and on the third day He was raised to life. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was one of the most momentous events in history. By rising from the dead to return to eternal power at the right hand of the Father, Jesus fulfilled a vital part of the plan of God that has paramount importance to the life and future of every human being. This is the new that have shaped the world, and would determine her future.
Let us never forget the incredible importance of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. It is the anchor of every hope we have and ultimately the anchor of hope for all mankind (Hebrews 6:17-20).””For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. The sacrificial death of Christ on the cross is to bridge the gap separating man from God. Through the resurrection of Christ we have been brought into a new hope of eternal life. However, those who reject this offer of salvation have by so doing chosen eternal condemnation.
…But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. 3The Son is the radianceof God’s glory and the exact representation of Hisnature, upholding all things by His powerful word. AfterHe had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high...” Hebrews 1:3-4. Matthew Henry wrote, “…In beholding the power, wisdom, and goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ, we behold the power, wisdom, and goodness of the Father, John 14:7; the fulness of the Godhead dwells, not typically, or in a figure, but really, in him. When, on the fall of man, the world was breaking to pieces under the wrath and curse of God, the Son of God, undertaking the work of redemption, sustained it by his almighty power and goodness.”
How do we make sense of a perverse world? A little boy was giving a puzzle to solve by his father, who needed some time for his leisure . His dad Dad realises he’s not going to get any peace, so he decides to set his son a task that will take some time. He notices a picture of the world on the front page of the newspaper lying in front of him. He tears the picture out then rips it into small pieces. “Now son, I’ve got a game for you. Take the pieces of this picture of the world and put them back together again and then we’ll play together.”
The little boy eagerly takes the pieces away with him and sets to work. Dad’s relieved he’ll get to see the last half hour of his TV program. But to his amazement his little boy is back in less than five minutes. “I’ve finished daddy. Can we play now?” The father is stunned when he turns around to see his son holding up the picture of the world, each piece sticky taped into the right position. Dad begins wondering whether he has a child prodigy on his hands. “How did you get it done so quickly?” he asks. “That would’ve taken me a good 20 minutes and I’m an adult.”2
“Oh, it was easy daddy. On the back of the world was a picture of a person, so I put the person together and that’s when the world came together.” How do you put the world together? How do you make sense of your world and find your way through it? Christians find that Jesus is the face on the other side of the puzzle. He enables us to make sens eof life and our world and to find a path through it.
The resurrection was preceded by the passover and the crucifixion. Jesus was in the grave for three days. These three days may be for you three years in a difficult situation; it may be three months, thirty months or three years in a wilderness of life. If you’re well positioned in God, this affliction is to prepare you for greatness. It is to make manifest the glory and power of God in you and through you. It won’t be long, with persistent faith and absolute trust in God, you will come out of your grave; you will come out of your predicaments and become a masterpiece, a ready-made vessel of God for good works. Rise to your feet and say, my life is worth a living because Christ suffered, died and rose again!
My wife and I, and of course all our loved ones who cared and prayed for us, were together in the wilderness, hungry and tasty for the blessing of the fruit of the womb. Like Jesus cried to God we also questioned if he had abandoned us. We prayed and fasted. But God determined that we must spend Nine years in the school of adversity. He didn’t tell us we would be tried for Nine years after our wedding. We kept hoping against hope until the appointmented time that He chose. Today, if you ask me, if we truly went through Nine years of childlessness, I’ll tell you am not sure it was up to nine years, I think it was only 9 days. This is so because looking at our son doesn’t remind me of the terrible but profitable years of waiting. It only reminds me of the faithfulness and the power of God, and how through this affliction he has made us into a better couple The bible offers consolations to those who are being tried, “For weeping may endure for a night; but joy comes in the morning! Therefore, the resurrection of Jesus Christ continues to give us assurance that no matter how bad the situation might be, there is light at the end of the tunnel! Say with me, ‘I will rise!’
If you find your self in a bad situation; don’t resign to fate. After every night comes the morning. The power of Christ will bring you out! When Christ rose from the dead, he was empowered! In other words, His resurrection made Him more powerful. There were greater things He could do because He rose: if he had not risen he wouldn’t have destroyed the power of sin and death. If he had not risen he wouldn’t have being able to bring many sons unto glory. Had he not risen he wouldn’t have rebuilt the dilapidated bridge between us and God, thereby giving us access to God. If he had not risen, there wouldn’t have been hope of eternal life. In the same way, the power you acquire after been tried should be greater than before you were tried. That’s God’s plan provided you allow him to work in you. Christ is Risen! And because He lives, you can face tomorrow. All fear is gone because He holds your future! You are wining! Yes, we are winning!
Happy Easter!
GreatMark
1,2Source: unknown
