by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | May 1, 2017 | Uncategorized |
What does it mean to complain?
According the Merriam-webster dictionary, to complain is to express grief, pain, or discontent. From the scientific perspectives, an average person is said to complain nearly 15-30 times a day! So, we all are guilty of complaining, but just that some of us are just not aware of it, while some are whiners for life!
Complaining is an innate characteristics of the human condition. And in every part of our society today, complaining has become a growing culture. In his book, ‘A Complaint Free World’, Will Bowen explains five reasons why people complain. This includes: to start a conversation or establish a camaraderie, To avoid taking action by shirking responsibility, to brag about their superiority, to control others, and to pre-excuse poor performance.
For whatever reason we have to complain, justifiable or not, there is always something positive we can do about the situation. Rather than whine, expend your energy on things that you can control or change. Though, complaining has a negative connotation, it also has a few benefits. It unites against a common enemy, thus, creating a social bond to fight against a common obstacle.
In the case of the Israelites, the miraculous exodus from Egypt was regretted when they were confronted with a severe wilderness experience. The hardship they met in the wilderness, the fear of what to eat, and the possibility of death, made them consider that the slavery and oppression in Egypt was a better option. Whereas, God’s intention was not only to emancipate them from the cruel lifestyle in Egypt, but also to establish them as a peculiar nation in fulfillment of his promises to Abraham. It is very sad that rather than show gratitude to their deliverer, they chose to hurl accusations at him and whine at every temporary discomfort. They chose to sing choruses of complaints.
The Biblical Israelites were constant complainers. Listen to their chorus of Complaints: “And they said to Moses, Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you treated us this way and brought us out of Egypt? Did we not tell you in Egypt, Let us alone; let us serve the Egyptians? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness” (Exo 14:10-24).
Moses, a courageous leader, and a faithful servant of YAWEH, had experienced the power of God, and have encountered His presence. He told the people, “Fear not; stand still (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today. For the Egyptians you have seen today you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest.” I thought that was enough assurance from a man to whom God has revealed His purpose. But alas, the discontented Israelites, continued to whine, and even threatened to kill Moses for even risking his life to initiate their freedom.
Pressured by the people, Moses continued to cry out to God for help, but God rebuked him saying, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward! Lift up your rod and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the Israelites shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea (Exodus 14:11-16 AMPC). In essence, God meant, “Why you still complaining? Have I not told you I will fight for you? So since I’ve given you an assurance, the next step is to move forward, lay hold on the promise and face your fears. Perhaps, that is the same instruction you need. Courage is the fear that has said its prayers. Having prayed about it, just let your soul be at peace, and move forward in faith.
This event reminds me of the story of Maya Angelou, a famed American poet and author. From the age of three to seven she was raised by her grandmother, a period of calm and stability in what would be a very traumatic childhood. Grandma ran a general store and one thing that riled her was people complaining. They’d complain about the heat, the cold and a myriad of other issues Maya’s grandmother thought trivial.
Whenever that occurred Maya’s grandmother would wait till the complainer left the store, call Maya over to her and say, “Sister, did you hear what Brother So-and-So or Sister Much-to-Do complained about? Sister, there are people who went to sleep all over the world last night, poor and rich and white and black, but they will never wake again. And those dead folks would give anything, anything at all for just five minutes of this weather that person was grumbling about. So you watch yourself about complaining, Sister. What you’re supposed to do when you don’t like a thing is change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. Don’t complain.”1
“Can God provide meat for His people?” (Psalm 78:20). Clouds look dull and melancholy, yet without them we could have no rain, and therefore no fruit. Thus, afflictions look black and unpleasant; but from clouds of affliction come showers that make the soul to yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness. Stop the chorus of complains; sing: ‘For God has triumphed gloriously…”( -Ex15:1). Create the change through Praise. Be optimistic, be the change! You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
1Source: reported in Maya Angelou, Condensed Chicken Soup for the Soul.
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | May 1, 2017 | Uncategorized |
Fearful, frail, friendless and fallible: Incase you fall into one or more of these four ‘Fs’ , and this is responsible for why your courage weakened and your strength declined in the first quarter. Gladly, I found four promises that would counter these conditions, and make you appear perfectly poised in this new month of May and always.
They are God’s sure reasons why you should take fresh courage, even in the midst of tough realities: Are you afraid? “Fear not, I am with you!” Are you weak? “I will strengthen you and harden you to difficulties!” Are you in want of friends? “I will help you in times of need!” “Are you about to fall or give up? “I will uphold and retain you!”
The month of MAY is here with its challenges, possibilities, and opportunities. I do hope you will be prepared and motivated to confront every challenges, and achieve your goals this month successfully. “Courage is fears that has said its prayers” -Dorothy Bernard. Lay hold on God’s unfailing promises. Take fresh courage! Be a hero! Move forward! You are winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
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
