Professional Documents
Culture Documents
DON’T
QUIT!
THE TRUTH ABOUT
STRUGGLE
JOSEPH KING
i
The Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by
International Bible Society.
ISBN: 0-9774928-3-4
Published by:
Revelation Christ Publishing House
www.josephkingbooks.com
ii
Dedication
iii
Acknowledgements
v
PROLOGUE
vii
Table of Contents
THE TRUTH ABOUT STRUGGLE ........................................ i
JOSEPH KING ......................................................................... i
STRUGGLE FOR YOUR LIFE! ................................................. 1
UNDERSTANDING STRUGGLE ............................................ 2
GOD UNDERSTANDS STRUGGLE ..................................... 3
SETTLING THE DEBATE ....................................................... 4
THE STRUGGLE OF THE RIGHTEOUS .............................. 5
THE BOOK ................................................................................ 7
OMNISCIENCE AND DESTINY......................................... 11
MANY ARE CALLED ........................................................... 13
FEW CHOOSE ........................................................................ 14
SEPARATION ........................................................................ 15
COVENANT ........................................................................... 18
VICTORY IS YOURS ............................................................. 21
JACOB KNEW HE WAS A WINNER ................................... 23
YOUR LIFE IS YOUR CHOICE ........................................... 25
IDENTITY ............................................................................... 27
THE VALUE OF A NAME ................................................... 30
REBECCA KNEW JACOB WAS A WINNER ...................... 33
STAKEHOLDERS .................................................................. 33
HERO-ASSISTANTS IN THE WORD................................. 35
ESTIMATE YOUR HELP ...................................................... 39
BEWARE OF FAKES. ............................................................ 41
GENUINE HELP IS AVAILABLE ....................................... 43
OTHER BIBLICAL FATHERLESS VICTORS .................... 49
KNOWING GOD AS FATHER ............................................ 52
BORN TO WIN ....................................................................... 56
WINNER, WELCOME HOME............................................. 62
LABAN NEVER KNEW ........................................................... 64
a
CORRUPTING THE WINNER ............................................ 69
WINNING THE CORRUPT ................................................. 72
NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER ....................................... 80
ALUTA CONTNUA (THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES).... 82
THE STRUGGLE OF HIS WIVES ........................................ 86
THE STRUGGLE WITH HIS CHILDREN.......................... 90
DEAD TO LOSING ................................................................ 96
STAY IN THE GAME: DON’T QUIT! .................................. 98
PAY THE PRICE .................................................................. 101
THE LAST SHALL BE FIRST ............................................. 103
WINNING IN LOVE ........................................................... 106
IS WINNING A GAME OF CHANCE? ............................ 109
b
STRUGGLE FOR YOUR LIFE!
1
“From the days of John the Baptist until now
the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully
advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.”(Matthew
11:12)
UNDERSTANDING STRUGGLE
And yet, few words or/and experiences bring confusion and
require clarity like “struggle”. A lot of saints loose their joy
and peace, some even their faith and love for the Lord once
they are confronted with a struggle. As a result, many saints,
and even ministers of the faith more often than not revile the
experience. Sometimes during a crisis when I have prayed
with my team I have heard one or two of them say unto the
Lord, “Master, you have not called us to struggle.” In some
cases, we have all said “Amen!” to that. I am sure you too
have done the same. In these cases we hate to struggle.
3
struggling nation of Israel counts on in battle, in exile, under
siege, as slaves, and in the wilderness. A God that never
forsakes. A God that never abandons. In His own words:
4
It is possible that those who guarantee peace would have in
fact killed the prophets. Prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel
were irked by these kinds of prophets (Jeremiah 14:14-16;
23:16-21; 27:14-18; Ezekiel 13:2).
5
This book premises its teaching on the profit of struggle. It is
a clarion call to believers, Christians, societies, and all to
wake up to the challenge of life. Wake up from fear,
compromise, complaint, and excuses, and meet your
adversary eye-ball to eye-ball. You will discover that if you
looked hard enough your fear is really afraid of your
boldness. If you pushed hard enough you may topple your
trouble. God has already prepared for your victory because
He knows you are a winner just like Him.
6
record that he left them any tangible inheritance. Perhaps we
may presume that following the famine in Canaan and
world over he had little of substance to bequeath his fairly
large family. Nonetheless, he left them something more
important, an inheritance whose legacy has survived to this
day. He left them WORDS. Words of hope. Words of
courage. Words to carry on the struggle. Words to help them
overcome. Words that carried what we call blessings. One by
one, from Reuben and Judah the eldest, to Joseph, Benjamin,
Ephraim and Manasseh, a determined veteran of struggle
spoke victory to another generation (Genesis 49).
THE BOOK
As you hold this book you hold immense value. You hold
words of blessings. Words that will uplift you. Words of
promise and future. Words that will train you in your
struggles. From the life of Jacob we learn invaluable lessons.
Lessons I have transmitted in words that will speak victory
to you and your family, your spouse, your relations, and
your community. Embrace these words. Share these words.
Use these words.
The key focus is really the struggle and its winner. Seven
dimensions inform our lessons as I urge you to struggle for
your life:
From these struggles you are likely to find out a lot about
winning. You will learn that quitters never win and winners
never quit. You will discover that God knows you are a
winner, that you are not alone in the struggle. God is not far
from you. On the contrary, He is with you. He is the ever-
present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). You will find
out that he has even ordained someone to support you in
your struggle. However, it is also probable that you will
meet opposition from others and possibly those closest to
you. But this does not dispute the reality, which is – you are
a winner.
8
whatsoever – will ask you one question “Are you a
winner?” I believe you are. God believes you are. No looser
can get a hold of this book. Divine destiny elected you to
read a winner book because you like Jacob are a winner from
the word go to the grand finale. So, as you struggle reading
enjoy winning: I am counting on you. WINNER, DON’T
QUIT!
9
GOD KNEW JACOB WAS A WINNER
From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far off land, a man
to fulfill my purpose. What I have planned that will I bring about;
what I have planned, that will I do.
Isaiah 46:11
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those
who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For
those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the
likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many
brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called,
He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God be for us, who
can be against us?
Romans 8:28
What most people never realize and usually take for granted
is that races are really not won in the end. They are
determined from the beginning. And yet the Olympian
sports fan with his holiday mood casual observations
celebrates the grand finale in total disregard of the varied
efforts of the participants before the race. True as it were that
the finish is so vital (after all it tells the last story) it is not the
only important aspect of the race. It is for this reason that
ambitious Olympians cannot just relax till the next event.
10
They will put more effort at it. They will train for the next
race in order to secure another victory. Nevertheless, it must
be pointed out that even more important than both the
process-to-victory and the event-of-victory is the decision
whether or not one will be in the next event. Without this
vital decision, the beginning, there can be no process, and no
event. Small though it may appear, relative to the climatic
euphoria associated with winning, it is nonetheless the little
hinge that opens the big door.
Just how important is it that God knows? For one, you can rely
on His knowledge. After all, He is the omniscient one. And if
He knows it, that is what it is. He has the benefit of eternal
sight unlimited as it were by time dimensions. The scripture
declares that He sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah
46:10). He is the alpha and the omega (Revelation 21:6). The
11
author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Moreover,
He is not a liar. There is no lie in Him. The word declares,
“Let all men be liars but let God be true” (Romans 3:4).
God’s word and knowledge is reliable. He watches over His
word to perform it (Isaiah 55:11). His knowledge is sacred
and He assures us that if it were not so He would not have told
us (John 14:1-2). It means a lot when the scriptures affirm
that God has put His word above His impeccable Name
(Psalm 138:2).
12
MANY ARE CALLED
13
The application is universal: God foreknew everyone.
Genesis 1:26 confirms that He predestined that everyone be
conformed in the image of Christ. And that image is not a
looser image. It is one of a winner, of more than a conqueror.
God has planned and purposed for everyone to win. In
Jeremiah 29:11, God assures us of His good plans for us.
Plans to prosper us and not to bring us any harm. Victory
and prosperity is really our manifest destiny, our intended
heritage so to say. Sadly, though, few arrive at the place God
has prepared from the very beginning. Although many are
called, few are glorified (Matthew 22:14).
FEW CHOOSE
14
chose to sacrifice rather than obey (1 Samuel 15:15-23). As a
result, he lost the throne of Israel.
SEPARATION
15
seems that these duo dates functioned as important turning
points in the patriarch’s process to victory.
16
for his day. And yet it is while he was in his own self-
sentenced solitary confinement that God calls him to be a
leader of his people (Judges 6:11-23). For all the lessons the
scriptures provide on this experience yet no one in scripture,
and we can assume in life in general, mastered and balanced
the art of separation as well as Jesus Christ. So often our
Lord abandoned the pressing crowds for the lonely heights
of mountains and deserts where He was alone (Matthew 4:1-
11; 14:23; 17:1). The lesson cannot be overemphasized that
before He arose to the Highest Throne of Heaven and the
worship of angels and the multitudes, He endured the
loneliness of the cross (Matthew 27:46).
The point is: The further away one is from others the closer
one will be to God. Before the reward is the price. Jesus’
words educate us when He cautions us that unless a seed
falls down and abides alone, it cannot grow and bear much
fruit (John 12:24). Other spiritual generals in the scripture
elaborate this principle: Paul spent a number of years after
his conversion alone in Arabia (Galatians 3:17); Elijah was
alone at Mount Horeb when he heard the whisper (1 Kings
19:7-14); Elisha his servant was without the company of the
prophets when he got the double portion (2 Kings 2:9-15).
Contemporary world leaders of Gods people all attest to the
benefits of separation. The remarkable prophet William
Branham that carried the Lord’s healing virtue around
America and the world in unprecedented revival meetings
in his time regularly spent days and nights in lonely
mountain hideouts seeking the face of God. Similarly, the
world-healing evangelist Benny Hinn confesses to spending
times alone before ministering in any of his world-famous
17
crusade meetings. The results are consistent whether it is
biblical characters, medieval ministers or contemporary
world-famous evangelists’ separation leads to impartation,
which in turn guarantees performance, victory and
promotion.
COVENANT
18
places God honored covenants Jacob made with Him. A lot
of the victories that laced the life of Jacob can be traced to the
fulfillment on God’s part of His covenant pledges.
19
covenant ceremonies of our fathers they offered animals to
the Lord. Jacob is seen offering to the Lord the sacrifice of
bulls, sheep, and birds (Genesis 31:53-54). In this latter
covenant the Son of God offered His own life (John 10:15).
Contrary to some widely held views that Christ’s arrest and
crucifixion was beyond His control being as it were that He
had been betrayed and handed over to the Romans, Jesus
freely offered His life. If He had not desired to die He would
have commanded the angels to His rescue (Matthew 26:53).
He had avoided arrest before using supernatural means to
escape when it was not yet time for Him to die (Luke 4:29-
30). In other instances He simply avoided places where
death awaited Him because it was not yet time (John 7:1;
10:39-40). It must be noted however that no other individual
in history and since his death and resurrection spoke of their
impending death with the clarity of Christ. Several times He
alluded to His death (Matthew 16:21; Mark 8:31-32; Luke
18:31-34; John 12:20). Everything He said about His death
happened as He said it would happen to the extent that one
can say He willed for it to happen the way it did. A lot of the
details of His death related to scriptural prophecies made
long before He was born (Psalm 22; Isaiah 53). His closest
aides discouraged Him from considering His death and He
rebuked them (Matthew 16:21-22). Others just did not
understand Him till after His death (Luke 18:34). After the
resurrection of His friend Lazarus He ponders His own
death:
“Now, my heart is troubled, and what shall
I say? “Father, save me from this hour’?
no, it was for this very reason I came to
this hour. Father, glorify your name! (John 12:27-28)
20
And yet, His death was not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
His death was the sacrificial offering that sealed His
covenant with God. That covenant, my beloved friends, was
a triad as it was made to ensure our ultimate victory. It was
a love truce in which an innocent man subjected Himself to
death, even to the cross, so that we would be guaranteed
victory in every aspect in life.
VICTORY IS YOURS
21
8:37). No weapon formed against us can prosper. And any
tongue that shall speak against us in divination shall be
condemned (Isaiah 54:17). You my friend are awesome. I am
glad to be your faithful servant. Please remember me in your
kingdom. Are you feeling down and out? Alone and abandoned?
Just remember the covenant. Remember the dear price He
paid. Moreover, you are not alone because He promised, “I
will never leave you nor forsake you. I will be with you
always” (Matthew 28:15). And though it is true that in this
world there is no gain without pain, remember He bore the
pain. It may also be the case that in this world there is a lot
of trouble, remember He overcame the world (John 16:33).
Remember He knows who you are. You are engraved on the
palm of His hand (Isaiah 49:16) and are the apple of His eye
(Zechariah 2:8). An awesome God has found common
ground with you and is mindful of you (Psalm 8:4). Most
assuredly, it is the Lords good pleasure that you may enjoy
good health and that all may go well with you, even as your
soul is getting along well (3 John 2). Mercy, peace and love
are yours in abundance (Jude 2).
22
JACOB KNEW HE WAS A WINNER
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8
24
YOUR LIFE IS YOUR CHOICE
Just too many die at the valley of indecision. Most losers can
trace their misfortune to this point in their life where they
failed to make a decision or made the wrong choice (usually
presented as the easier choice). The writer of the Proverbs
castigates importunity when he observes that the sluggard
does not plough in season so at harvest time he looks but
finds nothing (Proverbs 20:4). Again he warns that laziness
brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless man goes hungry
(Proverbs 19:15). In other words, one must avoid the “easy”
ways and choose the means that will make a difference in
their life. It all comes down to making the right choices.
26
otherwise. Having embraced God’s will for their life the rest
is left to time and effort. As such, the diligent knows he is a
winner. He goes for it. On the other hand, is the sluggard
clouded in fear, inertia and defeat. And both are right: The
one that says “I can” and the one that says “I cannot.” It is all
a matter of choice. They receive their expectations according
to their faith.
IDENTITY
27
victory is a process and not an event. It is this process that
defines his identity and not merely the actual event. The
sons of Sceva sought to imitate the accomplishments of Paul
and Jesus without carrying their cross. They wanted the
triumph minus the trial. In other words, they were faking.
And what is amazing is that the devil knows the real from
the fake. The Paul they sought to imitate bore both pain and
power. He had a testimony. The Jesus whose name they
invoked gave up, came down, and gave all, before He arose
in great power. Both while focusing on the end pressed
through all circumstances to ensure their victory.
28
Jacob learnt this in time. He saw God’s favor on him in spite
of negative events. Something profound happened when
God named him Israel, which meant he had fought with
God and won. From then own, a lone fugitive with a loser
mentality ceased to hibernate in fear and insecurities. He
became increasingly aware of the significant role God had
cut out for him. He sensed destiny and divinity had mingled
to transform him from a run away brother to a father of a
nation. It did not matter any more that Esau hated him or
that he’d been cheated by his uncle or even that his father
never cared for him. What was of concern was that he
fulfilled the will of the one who had called him. It is that
Jacob who at his deathbed sensed the grave need to anoint
his sons one by one. Unbothered by the failures of all his
children with the exception of Joseph, this veteran of
struggle saw his rebirth as a nation according to the promise
of God who had revealed to him who he was.
29
of others change but keep your election. Moreover, your
identity has better possibilities under the covenant of Christ.
In Him, there is now no more condemnation for all the old
passes away and the new comes (2 Corinthians 5:17). Paul
was speaking for all believers when he said that we are more
than conquerors in Christ (Romans 8:31). My beloved friend,
you can be assured that in Him you can do all things as He
strengthens you (Philippians 4:13).
It is amazing that for nearly half his life, the patriarch never
really knew who he really was. The name Jacob that his
father Isaac had called him had meant he was a fluke, a liar.
It did not bear any resemblance with who God had said he
would be while he was in his mother’s womb. God had said
he would be a victor. So, for about sixty years this great
individual went about his life with a wrong identity. Not
until God fought with him and changed his name to Israel,
which meant he was a victor, did he finally come to terms
with who he really was. What is really amazing in this
account is the implicit value given to the name of a person.
30
consistently with the most critical reference being the
omnipotent name of Jesus as the vital name of the Messiah.
On the contrary, what the first half of Jacob’s life teaches us,
and also a significant part of the human tragedy, is a lack of
knowledge in this regard. So many live in oblivion,
marginalized because of a lack of proper understanding of
who they are or what they should do or where it ends. I
believe that when one finally finds out the truth concerning
who they are they cease to be an outcast, a spectator, or a
subject of everybody and everything. When you find out
who you really are you realize that you are a peculiar
person, uniquely designed for greatness. You realize that
you are God’s everlasting dream in eternity that takes on
reality on earth. And there need not be any difference
between what God upholds in heaven and what you
manifest on earth. Your name in heaven can be your
experience on earth.
31
you are dead. Important to note is the fact that only God
knows a names worth. He is after all the alpha and the
omega, the beginning and the end. Without Him there
would not be any identities, any names. He is the genesis,
determines the destiny, provides the purpose, and sustains
the life of all men and women. Seek to know Him, and how
He knows you and you will discover that you are really a
WINNER from the word GO!
32
REBECCA KNEW JACOB WAS A WINNER
The Lord God said, “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make
a helper suitable for him.”
Genesis 2:18
STAKEHOLDERS
33
information. Rebecca knew Jacob’s end from the beginning.
She had the Lord’s word on it. It was she that had inquired
of the Lord concerning the jostling in her womb. It was she
who the Lord first revealed the destiny of Jacob (Genesis
25:22-23). This leakage of divine providence was God’s
ordination of Rebecca as a hero-assistant. And so, when
Isaac misfired Rebecca knew better. While Isaac was
fascinated with Esau’s athletic prowess in the wilderness
Rebecca nurtured a recluse Jacob. To be sure, Isaac was
carnal. He was only bothered by what he felt, saw, touched
and smelt. On the other hand, Rebecca was prophetic: She
knew Jacob’s future was better than the present
circumstances. Consequently, she accepted her place as the
winner’s assistant according to the future God had
predicted.
34
the realities of the day seemed to contradict God’s word.
After all, Jacob was not the favorite of his father (who was a
prophet of God). It would have made more sense if Isaac
had confirmed God’s word. Instead, Isaac named her hero
Jacob that meant a fluke, a liar and a supplanter. But Rebecca
was unshaken. She held onto the word. She was willing to
lose her marriage, risked dividing her small family, and was
actually prepared not to see Jacob for the rest of her life if it
preserved his destiny.
35
Consequently, one may observe that heroes throughout the
scriptures had women assistants. Abraham had Sarah,
Moses had Miriam, and Prophet Samuel owed not only his
elaborate ministry but his very life as well to a praying
mother. The role of women hero-assistants was even more
pronounced in the New Testament. The mother of Jesus is
perhaps the most celebrated case. We see her loyalty right
from the savior’s birth to His wretched death on the cross.
And just how did Jesus afford his travels? Dr. Luke reveals
in the first verse of the eighth chapter of his gospel
recordings that certain women supported the Master from
the substance of their means. Among them was another
famous hero-assistant in the person of Mary Magdalene. It is
forever to be mentioned that Mary was the first person to
really believe the oncoming sufferings of the Messiah before
His death and even demonstrated this by anointing Him
with fine perfume she had saved over a year (John 12:3).
And while the Masters friends hid themselves following His
death, again it was Mary who had the nerve and love to go
to the tomb where they had laid His body. As a result, she
delivered the first gospel after the resurrection (John 20:1-2).
36
to Him in worship (Isaiah 6:2-4; Ezekiel 1:5-24; Revelation
4:8). However, angels do also serve God’s people even as
they serve the Lord. There are angels that specifically fight
for his people (Joshua 5:13-15; Isaiah 37:36). The most
notable of these is the arch-angel Michael (Daniel 10:13; Jude
9). There are angels who deliver messages of the Lord to his
people as was the case with Jacob while he laid his head at
Bethel (Genesis 28:12-14). The most notable of these is arch-
angel Gabriel (Luke 1:11-20; 26-38). Apart from fighting and
delivering messages angels can perform other tasks as well
such as serving food as was the case with Elijah (1 Kings
19:5-9) or removing obstacles as was the case in Jesus’
resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:2-3). Jesus was
indeed familiar with the ministry of angels. During his arrest
He mentioned that it was possible, if necessary, for Him to
summon 12 legions of angels to His assistance (Matthew
26:53). The point is that angels are available for the service of
God’s people. You need not be a lone hero; heaven is at your
side to back you up!
37
suit in a cloud (Exodus 14:19). Together with the angel, God
positioned Himself for their defense. Throughout that
journey God also provided them essential services - shelter,
warmth, food and water. Some of the names of God known
by the Hebrew relate to the services He provides men. Thus,
Jehovah-Jireh means “the Lord who provides”; Jehovah-
Nissi means “the Lord who fights our battles”; and, Jehovah-
Rapha means “the Lord our healer”. When Jesus was among
us He demonstrated God’s ministry to man in the
symbolism of washing His disciple’s feet (John 13:4-17).
Ultimately, he demonstrated God’s service to man by
offering His body as a sacrifice for the remission of our sins
(Isaiah 53).
38
ESTIMATE YOUR HELP
There are times in the struggle for your life that you just
need help. Matter of fact, no one ever makes it without any
help. It is indeed so wonderful that the Almighty has
ordained precious assistants to enable us fulfill His will. We
should be able to receive this help and cooperate with the
assistants God avails. However, one must not confuse
loyalty for perfection. Evidence in the word of God
demonstrates that even those persons that God ordains to
assist may cause more harm than good. The eternal example
of Eve remains with us. Ordained by God to help man rule
the earth Eve yet played the crucial role of causing man to
lose his place on earth and in God’s plan. I am sure she
meant well when she got Adam to eat the fruit but this
loyalty was clouded by the imperfection of her counsel.
40
behind me” (Matthew 16: 23). In receiving the help, we must
measure its value and continue to “test every spirit”.
BEWARE OF FAKES.
By now you are aware that the mission is not always easy.
And the devil knows it. It is after all his work to make it as
difficult as he possibly can. One means he employs is
providing fake Rebecca’s, fake assistants. It is one thing for
Rebecca to be imperfect. Dealing with a fake Rebecca is quite
another thing altogether. They are two different people. For
all the inadequacies of Peter and the disciples (many times
the Lord wondered at their little faith) they did not measure
to the evil of Judas Iscariot. Among them, yet He was never
one of them. His mission was an assignment from hell. Fake
assistants are dream – killers. They are children of perdition.
They will lie and wait, pretend and even help till they bury
the mission. Delilah is a good example (Judges 16:21). They
will always provide seemingly more satisfactory than the
others. Hagar is another: They will even serve you while
carefully dropping words of doubt and fear in your life
(Genesis 16:1-4). And then, they will be so close as to steal
your miracle. Were it not for mercy and God’s grace, Sarah
had literally handed over her promise to a fake assistant.
Ultimately, they are disloyal. You shall know them by their
fruits. Judas was always stealing from the moneybag before
he betrayed the Savior.
41
strengthens us (Romans 8:37). As devious as the fake
assistants may be they are limited in their ability.
Remember, their father is the devil an already defeated
person. Look at the end of Judas. Jesus pitied him saying, “It
were better he had never been born” (Mark 14:21). Would
have been better for whom? The Church? No. The church
grew stronger in spite of his mission. And His absence was
so quickly resolved. Better for Christ? No: It was appointed
for Him to die for the redemption of man. With Judas or
without him, the Lord was prepared to die. It would have
been better for Judas because He will forever suffer the
shame, the guilt, and the pain of betraying the Master.
42
perhaps for very understandable reasons, David waited till
Absalom assumed his ambitions. Even then David was at a
loss on how to respond.
Just the other day, I was musing with my lovely and useful
wife, Precious, how difficult it is to find genuine help
nowadays. My concern was the result of serving the Lord
with an inconsistent set of ministers. In just three years of
ministry I had seen five different sets and I was getting
rather weary. I wondered why it was difficult for my
ministry to stabilize with a consistent set of zealous, focused
and humble assistants. At the time, it seemed impossible
43
however much I tried to realize my desire. Fortunately,
Precious was not sharing in my despair. She quickly put my
concern in its right perspective citing that I was biased in my
focus. Accordingly, I was only concentrating on the help that
had failed me and was not considering the one that had
stood by me. Unfortunately, quite a lot of people are like me
in this regard. We spend a lot more time mourning over
what has not worked than on what has worked, over what
we lost than what we have.
44
set out to be. If the truth is told, the good assistants are
overwhelmingly more available than the bad ones. Genuine
help, my friend, need not be a myth. It is a divine reality
which is so available. Rather than despair in the face of any
setback, lean on God and find a friend that is closer than a
brother. In Him you will discover so many others He has
positioned just to help you keep going. Go on Winner!
45
ISAAC DID NOT KNOW
For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to
your amazement he will show him even greater things than these.
John 5:20.
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women are dealing with this grave issue because of the
degenerating loss of fatherhood, not only in families but also
in the church, institutions and in nations as a whole. How
does one make it through the vagaries of life to the
momentous times of victory without the confident
assurances and the excellent trainings of a seasoned patron?
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needed to make it to victory. Part of the consequence of this
omission was that for the most part while in his father’s
house Jacob received assistant guidance rather than
professional assistance. He relied more on his mother and her
own inferior perceptions of how to realize the promises of
God. And as we have seen, there were considerable mistakes
that he suffered as a result. In the end, he had to endure a
rather long approach to the victory God had prepared for
him. It is possible that had Isaac known what God and
Rachel knew Jacob would not have suffered as much as he
did to overcome the tests in his life.
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OTHER BIBLICAL FATHERLESS VICTORS
50
an ambitious attempt to steal the throne of Israel. Soon he
became envious of his own subject and sought to kill him.
That is where his role as David’s patron ended. Once again,
David was fatherless from a carnal viewpoint. Once again he
had to rely on God as his Father. A look at most of the
psalms David wrote while hiding from Saul reveals the
profound extent David assumed in depending on God as his
refuge, shelter and strength. The intimate relation David had
with God as Father is not only well documented in the
Psalms but it so impressed God Himself. Referring to
David’s devotions, Jesus remarked that David had a heart after
God (Acts 13:22). And it must be told that God did not
disappoint. Every covenant promise God made with him he
actually brought to pass. In the end, of the entire three –
father, godfather and Father – the last relation proved most
vital to David (1 Samuel 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26).
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heaven so much that He was willing to do it at the expense
of loosing His earthly father. When He told His concerned
parents who had lost Him and had desperately been looking
for Him that “don’t you know that I ought to be about my
Father’s will” (Luke 2:49) He was clearly demonstrating the
precedence His heavenly Father took on the family tree.
The wonderful truth is that you too can really get to know
God as Father if you give yourself the chance. He need not
be a stranger to you. Matter of fact, He longs to have an
intimate relationship with you as His son. The problem has
always been that we ignore Him or rebel against Him,
usually at our peril. When we do so we are the greater loser.
When we are far from His eternal love we expose ourselves
to dangers we need not face alone. The entire scripture is
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really about the love God longs to share with man, as a
Father. It was the relationship He had with Adam when He
made him and put him in the garden. However, it is Adam’s
sin and obedience that first distanced him and all his
descendants from this most intimate relationship. The chief
reason why most people never sense or experience this
relationship with God is because of the effect of sin. It stands
as the proverbial barrier between a “lost mankind” and a
loving God, between children and their Father.
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And yet, if the truth is told God is indeed a very loving
Father and everyone is capable of knowing Him that way.
He is the kindest, nicest, most loving person anyone can ever
meet. It is important that we realize that all persons were
made in His image and have in them a void, a hole that only
His love can fill. More than anyone ever did, Jesus clarified
the image of God. In fact, it can be said that one of the
principal reasons, if not the most important motive for His
coming was to reconcile us to this wonderful person, God. A
closer study of His own relationship with God shows that
for all the latter’s many titles and offices yet Father was
Jesus’ preferred term for referring to Him. In His immortal
Sermon on the Mount of Olives He used the expression 14
times. And that is how He addressed God in prayer
(Matthew 6:9). His purpose was to reveal that God was not
some unapproachable, remote, and austere figure but a
loving, caring and easily accessible person. And in so many
ways, He actually revealed the Father. In all that He did, He
sought to reflect the very work and image of God. Where
God had healed, forgiven sins, and fed His people Jesus
demonstrated the same virtues. The gist caught with His
disciples who He had taught to refer to God as their Father
(Matthew 6:9). They saw his compassion, how He cared and
never rejected whoever came to Him (Matthew 18:34-36;
Luke 5:12-13, 17-20) and they too knew that they could call
God Father. As a result, the term Father appears 245 times in
the New Testament.
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innocent blood for the atonement of our sins He in a single
stroke made it possible for all mankind to be reconciled to
God. Where sin had estranged us from God’s favor and
kindness the blood of Jesus dispelled it to legitimize our
identity as God’s own dear children. All we have to do to
begin sensing and experiencing this privilege and its
powerful results is to acknowledge our sins and God’s love
for us expressed in the death of His only begotten Son. If we
believe in our heart and confess with our lips that Jesus died for us
(Romans 10:9)…. Nothing shall ever separate us from the love of
God (Romans 8:39).
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Father overcoming steep opposition. It is this relationship
that moved many to make vows and covenants with God
and every one of them testifies to God’s faithfulness in
keeping His part of the bargain. In these great accounts, we
are shown a Father that is very concerned about every detail
of the lives of His children. It was not only the broad aspects
of a struggler’s destiny that saw God’s intervention but all
aspects of their lives were precious to Him. This same Father
is still available today and has never changed in His ways.
He is not a man that He should change His mind (1 Samuel
15:29). On the contrary, He is the same yesterday, today and
forever (Hebrews 13:8)
BORN TO WIN
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direction the son took hoping that one day he would return.
When the son returns, while he is still a distance away from
the house, the father spots him and runs to him. The son is
shocked and seeks to explain his desire to be a servant. The
father will have none of it and to the young man’s surprise
dresses him, with a robe and ring, and actually throws a
party to celebrate his return. The other son hears of it and is
angry that the father had never done the same for him and
his friends (Luke 15:11).
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others. Those that have evidently accomplished something
are heroes while those that have nothing to show are
nothing to be taken seriously. God on the other hand,
celebrates our victory by virtue of our birth. In His regard,
every one is a born winner. You do not have to do nothing
for God to know that. Before you were born He knew what
you would accomplish (Jeremiah 1:5-6). In my other book,
The Value of a Name, I deal exhaustively with this
argument. Every one is born for a purpose. There is no one
here on earth by mistake. Every one that is born has been
born to conquer, subdue and dominate. That is the plan of
God. And as far as He is concerned the mission is
accomplished. When God looks at all of us He sees winners
made in His fantastic image. That is how He made you and
what he made you for. You my friend are destined to win.
You are a winner from the word go to the grand finale!
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Jacob was also caught in this web when he sought to earn it
from Esau (by offering his brother food in exchange for first-
born status) and later on disguising himself as his brother to
get his father’s blessing. In the end, it was really the relation
that he nurtured with God that God in his omniscience had
seen at his birth that guaranteed his victory. It is in this
regard that Jacob was a winner from birth.
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need to workout their relationship status in the house of their
father they nevertheless needed to work as a result of being
sons of the father. All that their father had was theirs and
they needed to work at prospering themselves. In working
for their father they actually would be working for
themselves. The same applied to Jacob once God made
covenant with him. He did not just sit wishing but sought to
make the most of God’s guarantees. If there is a
predominant trait in the accounts of Jacob, it will be said that
he was a hardworking man. I am even sure that it was this
influence of hard work and its divine and virtuous benefits
that were passed onto Joseph. So, contrary to what some
believers of the Lord assume being chosen by God is not in
itself the end of the story. We have to work hard to realize
what God has seen in eternity. In this sense, we must realize
that while we are born winners we are also made winners.
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pursue a God-given vision and act on it will always depend
on God. They will be more thankful when they accomplish
most of their divine assignments. When they stumble they
will cry out to the Father. They are the ones who know what
it really means to depend on God. They are the ones who
know what a prayer can do. Even God’s most privileged and
only begotten Son never had the “benefit” of doing nothing.
Confronted with steep opposition from the leaders of his
day (a good excuse to do nothing) he responded thus:
If you do so, the blood of Jesus will cleanse you from all
unrighteousness and purge your conscience from sin and its
power (Hebrews 9:14). Then the Holy Spirit will seal you
with the seal of God’s eternal love so that from then on you
are legitimately a son of God (Romans 8:14). As a son of the
Most High God you will find in Him a coach, a patron, a
friend, a leader that will nurture and guide you through the
vagaries of life’s difficult challenges. He is more than faithful
(Romans 3:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:24) and in Him is no lie (1
Samuel 15:29). He is a Father you can fully trust and depend
on. He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy
31:6-8; Joshua 1:5). I am most confident about this: No matter
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who you are, what you have done, regardless your condition
or background you are a winner that needs to come back
home. Come back to the Father’s love, you will find that
even if it seems you have lost it all He can restore all good
things. He who begun a good work in you will bring it to
accomplishment! Matter of fact, in His more than capable
hands it does not matter where you are coming from
because your future is so bright. Winner, welcome back
home dad is waiting for you.
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LABAN NEVER KNEW
A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart
he harbors deceit. Though his speech is charming, do not believe
him, for seven abominations fill his heart. His malice may be
concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the
assembly.
Proverbs 26:24-26
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suffer the bitter consequence. A closer study of the plight of
child laborers, prostitutes, drug addicts, orphans and other
vulnerable children, prisoners, even sports personalities,
movie actors, and ministers (yes, ministers) will reveal the
extents these fraudsters will go to prey on the lives of
winners.
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LABAN THE CON DAD
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role played by God. He revealed how the angel of the Lord
appeared to him in a dream and commanded, thus:
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CORRUPTING THE WINNER
The point Jacob argued to his wives is that God had favored
him against the tricks of his uncle. And that is indeed the
case as it were. However, there is something that quite a
number of people that look at this story tend to overlook.
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And that is, that Jacob had not intended to be fair with
Laban in the first place. He took matters in his own hands to
manipulate the animals so that he may get a better wage. To
be sure, the trick he employed never worked. The means of
increase that he had was not so much the results of his tricks
as it was really the efforts of God. Later on, when an
embittered Jacob is explaining to his wives, he reveals how
indeed it all happened as told to him by the Lord. God in
His omnipotent power had caused the finest of Laban’s
animals to produce marked animals. God had done this by
his grace in spite of the manipulative means employed by
Jacob. The point is that Jacob need not have done what he
did. God had not abandoned him and would still have
favored and multiplied him without his trick efforts.
The lesson here for all strugglers is plain: You do not have to
cheat your way to victory. Once God has marked you, you
will win. Instead of depending on human wisdom and ways
winners need to look to God and see His salvation. All
Jacob’s frantic efforts were a big waste of his own time. And
too many of us waste a lot of time and calories trying to
sneak our way to victory. God has already provided the
victory and if we trust him, no manipulator will ever be able
to keep you from attaining the goal. All we have to do is to
trust in him and do what we are asked to do within the
rules. God knows that the rules are skewed. He knows when
we are on the disadvantage. Nothing escapes his eye.
However, He also knows that He is above the rules of man.
The earth and its fullness belongs to Him (Psalm 24:1) and so do
the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10). All those who
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scheme and manipulate the servants or children of God need
to know that:
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deceitful is indeed a possible feat. It is important that we
observe that while he came to Laban with nothing, but only
the assurance of God, he left Laban’s household with a large
stock of everything related to success. And this rag-to riches
transformation was in spite of the devious opposition of his
uncle. To be sure, Laban never desired Jacob’s welfare. Jacob
was always mindful of this and even assured him, thus:
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cautioned that we reward evil with good (Matthew 5:36-42).
The account of Jacob demonstrates that when we are taken
advantage of, God is a witness and He will seek our
vindication. This may always not seem like the case when
we are being swindled off our feet. However, it is true. The
word assures that the One who watches over Israel never
slumbers (Psalm 121:4). There is nothing that escapes the eyes
of God, most especially where justice is concerned.
Throughout the scriptures He condemns those that
disregard the plight of others. Where injustice is committed
He has in several occasions in His word responded by
warning or seeking vengeance for the aggrieved. Seeking to
encourage the Hebrews who often times would find
themselves as slaves, being exploited and abused by a
foreign kingdom, He would solemnly promise that justice
will prevail (Isaiah 51:4). Similarly, if His own people the
Jews did not demonstrate justice in their dealings He would
rebuke them and often would threaten to punish the land for
such blatant evil (Amos 5:12-27). It was in fact in this regard
for justice that the Messiah was expected to come and
establish justice among all the kingdoms of the world.
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hands. Instead, we should love and forgive those that seek
our loss in any regards. In His own words:
You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and
tooth for tooth. But I tell you, do not resist an evil
person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek
turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to
sue you and take your tunic, let him have your
cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile
go with him two miles. (Matthew 5:38)
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strong warning also given in the proverbs is appropriate
here when the writer cautions that there is a way that seems
right to a man but the end of it leads to destruction (Proverbs
14:12).
To be sure, you can and will win if you employ the attitudes
suggested by Jesus in the face of evil. Love and forgiveness
are indeed powerful weapons in the hands of a winner.
Vengeance and hatred are on the hand, powerful weapons
against a winner. In the struggle for life never get bitter, get
better. With God on your side you already have the victory
(1 Corinthians 15:57). Although, bearing character faults,
Jacob demonstrated this so incredibly and received favor
from God. He was not afraid to work for Laban and tried so
hard to increase his wealth (Genesis 30:27). In spite of the
fact that his fraudulent uncle had repetitively cheated him,
nevertheless Jacob worked hard to ensure Laban was
successful although he eventually sought his own success
(Genesis 31:38-42). In doing so, he demonstrated that he
trusted in God (Genesis 30:31-33).
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Joseph’s journey was the result of many sins. Jacob went to
Paddan-aram a poor man, but he left with a large family and
great wealth. Joseph was sent to Egypt a virtual slave; but
when the nation emerged at the exodus, they were many,
and they had considerable wealth. Just as Laban was judged
of God by his wealth being given to Jacob, so Egypt was
judged by the wealth that was taken out at the exodus.
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Malachi saw these days and rejoiced. Among his last
prophecies he revealed as much:
NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER
One of the most amazing stories in the bible is the
conversion of Saul of Tarsus to Paul the apostle to the
Gentiles. Here was this persecutor per vengeance of the
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church. He was just impossible and his cruel reputation
against the saints was widespread. And yet the Lord reached
up to him and converted him so that he became a man of
great compassion and zeal for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
During his conversion on his way to Damascus, Jesus asked
him a very profound question. He sought to know why Saul
was persecuting Him.
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ALUTA CONTNUA (THE STRUGGLE
CONTINUES)
Fall seven times stand eight.
Japanese proverb.
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8:10). Whether one will have pleasure or sorrow is
dependent on their attitude.
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to their benefit. This generation was the Joshua generation.
They entered the land of promise not so much because it was
promised but because they withstood the challenges of the
land. They were steadfast and zealous to stand in the
promise. No challenge was sufficient to frustrate their faith
so much as to cause them to quit. As a result they were
favored by God who fought their battles and gave them
great victories (Joshua 23:9-11).
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In the end, he was sufficiently motivated to overcome the
giant in a classic battle that never left him the same again.
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life. On the contrary, it provides the guarantee that whatever
the challenge God is present to help you overcome it. And
just in case you were contemplating the much hyped total
PEACE, Jacob’s testimony is a practical account that tells
you aluta continua, the struggle continues. And the good side
to it is, the more the struggles the more the victories.
His struggles did not begin after his proposal to Rachel, the
love of his life. They must have begun in the prospect of
marriage while he was still in his father’s house. Unlike his
brother Esau who chose for himself wives from among the
Canaanites Jacob sought and followed the counsel of his
parents who disapproved of his brother’s choice. This
decision could not have been an easy one considering that
those women were the only ones he knew, and his elder
twin had provided an example. It is important that we
realize in this struggle over when, who, and where to marry
Jacob submitted to finding a wife that would share in his
faith and walk with God. He demonstrated the importance
of values in selecting a life long partner. Secondly, by
choosing to follow his parents counsel instead of the bad
example set by his peer Jacob demonstrated respect for the
elderly in these matters. The fact that he was 40 years when
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he finally married testifies to the need for patience in these
matters. Rather than rash and regret or stray, Jacob showed
how it is vital that we trust God and His timing in our own
searches for true love. He proved that true love waits.
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struggled with the prospects of two competing wives. The
two sisters contested for his love in an epic battle that left no
winners but a stressed Jacob and a seriously dysfunctional
family. Ironically, God closed the womb of the younger
(Jacob’s true love) while opening the one of the older. God
was moved with compassion for Leah. It is also possible that
He sought Jacob to realize the need of balancing his love in
the face of the realities of marrying two wives. Some have
even suggested that the deliberate frustration of Rachel’s
womb was a good source of demonstrating the failures
associated with polygamy.
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It is also instructive that while loving his wife he did not
question or loose trust in God as a result of her weakness.
When a jealous Rachel pleaded with him to give her children
he referred to God’s sovereignty on the matter (Genesis
30:1). Although he waited patiently for the Lord to intervene
on the matter yet his love for Rachel compromised his faith.
Rachel suggested that he sleeps with her maid in a
compromise means of getting children to cope with the
competition she had with her sister. As a result she bore two
sons, Dan and Naphtali, through her maid Bilhah. The
consequences of such seemingly easy solutions that were
also assumed by her sister who also got two sons, Gad and
Asher, from her maid Zilphar, was the dysfunctional family
of Jacob. Although God was faithful, eventually opening
Rachel’s womb giving her two sons, Joseph and Benjamin.
Jacob paid a bitter price for his mess. Later in his older years
his compromises tormented him as his children inherited the
rivalry and fell prey to the promiscuity in his house. Matters
would certainly have been a lot different if Jacob had just
waited. If he had trusted God and endured till God had
opened the womb of his love. It is very instructive that
Rachel died bearing her last child, Benjamin. It is possible
that this was the result of her failure to realize the role God
played in the whole matter. In spite of the fact that God had
given her favor in the eyes of her husband she corrupted
him and in so doing triggering a chain of hatred in his
family. In the end she died still trying to make even with her
sister rather than being grateful to God.
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ourselves in order to realize our goals. The lesson we learn
from Jacob in his difficult relation with his wives is the need
to trust God entirely and stay the course of righteousness.
Whichever deviation we commit will definitely cost us
dearly. It may seem to be the right thing to do or the more
convenient thing but in the end it is always the thing we
grievously regret doing. The desperation and strife both
wives exhibited demonstrates the need to be more
harmonious, even loving, with those that are against us. The
two wives would have done well to love their enemies
(Matthew 5:44). Rather than device our own means of justice
we stand a better chance trusting that vengeance belongs to the
Lord (Deuteronomy 32:35). Were it not for God’s divine
intervention in the family none would have won. Jacob must
have sensed this and pleaded mercy to a God who can
bestow a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair (Isaiah
61:3). To be sure, Jacob’s family did indeed suffer for all the
rivalry of the two wives and it was only the arm of God that
worked their salvation and His own righteousness sustained
the family (Isaiah 59:16).
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Ziphar, namely – Gad and Asher. Two were from Rachel’s
maid, Bilhah, namely – Dan and Naphtali.
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sought for God to deal with those who had treated his
daughter with disrespect. Rather than be angry Jacob chose
to be meek. Many of us would do well to trust the judgment
of God in circumstances like this. Two wrongs never made it
right. Part of the danger of revenge is the loss both parties
will stand to suffer as a result. It is in this regard that some
have taunted the Hammurabian law – an eye for an eye –
suggesting that in settling scores, we may all end up blind.
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all of them forsake their idols and submit to his God. It must
have been very amazing for them to realize the virtues of
their father’s God as their sojourn to Bethel paid off
handsomely.
Probably the most serious problem Jacob had and the one
that brought him the most grief was the one that concerned
Joseph, the first-born son of Rachel. In one sense, the
problem was as a result of Jacob’s conduct. He favored
Joseph over his other brothers which caused them to hate
him. Their anger caused them to sell Joseph to slave traders
and lie to their father that he’d been killed by an animal. On
the other hand, Jacob’s problem was also as a result of God’s
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intervention in the sense that God too favored Joseph and
sought to use him to preserve the family by causing his
brothers to sell him to Egypt where he planned to lift him up
above all Egypt. The period of Joseph’s absence was
probably the darkest times of Jacob. He grieved and pained
from the perceived loss of a child that he loved so much.
And yet, unknown to him the child was firmly in God’s care.
Joseph was riding on the wings of God. The accounts of his
episode in Egypt demonstrate the amazing ability of God to
secure his purposes in spite of the challenges that may seek
to offset His purpose. From the hands of slave traders,
Joseph is sold to a senior Egyptian called Potiphar. At
Potiphar’s he experiences the same favor he had in his
father’s house as his master promotes him to be the chief
steward of his house. And yet, even then the opportunity is
lost when he is falsely accused for raping Potiphar’s lustful
wife. He is then taken to prison from where he is eventually
promoted to be prime minister. And it is at this point that
during a famine which affects Canaan that he is eventually
reconciled with his father and family. Jacob has the privilege
of seeing his son again, a prospect that he had in fact given
up on.
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on, this child died and she was at a loss. Instead of crying,
she trusted that God would restore her child. And so she
pursued the prophet of God. Along the way she was met
with several people who sought to know how she was. She
confidently confessed, “It is well with me” (2 Kings 9:6). In the
end, God restored the child’s life. It is vital that we realize
that God is able to heal, revive and restore us when we lose
someone or something (Hosea 6:1-3). In these struggles, he is
not far. He is indeed in them with us. Going through his
own grievous loss Job confessed:
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I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He
will stand upon
the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my
flesh I will
see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes – I, and
not another.
How my heart yearns within me! (Job 19:25-27)
DEAD TO LOSING
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caused him pain, loss, and grief out of their violence,
treachery, and deceit.
In spite of the grave odds against his family Jacob was
confident that the promise of God would cause them to
overcome. It is instructive that he prophesied the growth of a
nation in spite of the reality that prevailed. At the time, his
family was living in Egypt without any clear sign that they
would return to the land of his fathers. In doing so, he did
not want them to give up the rich heritage they had just
because of the kind gestures of Pharaoh. He sought to
provoke a yearning in them for what was truly theirs. His
words were carefully chosen to pass on the struggle. The
struggle of never relenting till the actual promise of God was
fulfilled. While all people are really born for victory not all
will really die to loss. In his death, that is the powerful legacy
he left. Jacob’s death wish tells you never to accept defeat
even if defeat is comfortable or seemingly the only option.
As you continue in the struggle, bear this in your heart that
you never lose. Problems, challenges, setbacks need not be
loses. They can be an opportunity for you to witness the
power of God. It is truly amazing to observe that out of a
dysfunctional family God yet chose for Himself a mighty
nation. It is quite unfortunate that many have ruled
themselves out just when God was counting them in.
Everyone needs to know that in all circumstances you are a
winner till the grand finale. And if you must die, as we all will
some day, at least die winning! I couldn’t agree more with the
famous coach Vincent Lombardi who stated: Winning is not
everything – it is the only thing!
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STAY IN THE GAME: DON’T QUIT!
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to be great one vital requirement is that you hang around
someone really great. Short of which, you may study
someone really great.
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one is as much as it is how many others the winner is able to
inspire into their own victories. A truly great person must be
able to reproduce him/herself in others. That is indeed the
testimony of Jacob. He was able to inspire his otherwise
dysfunctional family that they were champions in God’s
regard. In spite of their failings, his death wish was a call for
his children to rise above their circumstances to their true
calling of destiny. He was able to pass on the baton. That is
also what made Jesus incredibly great. He was able to pick
all kinds of diverse persons and inspire them to be just like
Him. Within a short time of living with them, He was able to
send them to go and do just what He did. In fact when He
set out to live them after only three years of being with them
He assured them that they would do much more than He
had done (John 14:12). Today, He calls all of us to only believe
and we too can do what He did (Mark 16:17). He too, passed
on the baton to us. Because He is the most inspiring figure
that has ever leaved, He is in this sense also the greatest
personality in history.
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inspired by greatness include Prime Minister John Major
who was inspired by Margaret Thatcher; Cece Winans and
Bebe Winans who picked up motivation for Christian music
from their parents; Benny Hinn confesses to being inspired
by the maverick evangelist Kathryn Kuhlmann; for Creflo
Dollar it was Kenneth Copeland; and Kenneth Copeland
himself was inspired by Oral Roberts.
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confess their struggles. Most look at the prospect of
discussing their struggles so negatively. Some have even
been known to suggest that doing so is in itself a sign of
weakness. For others, the possibility that their competitors
or enemies would maliciously exploit any exposure of their
struggles deters them from opening up. And so, to the
uncritical observer they appear as though they were
invincible.
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how He will suffer, Paul was never shy to confess his
victories in spite of the setbacks he suffered. His sober
approach to winning is seen several times in his letters but
perhaps his most moving instruction to any aspirant is
recorded in his advice to the rather practical and generous
church in Philippi when he cautioned them to “forget those
things that lie behind and press on reach the goal”(Philippians
3:13-14).
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struggle and achieve the reward. In the end, Jacob was more
shrewd and determined for victory. He outmaneuvered
Esau to assume the incredible blessing of their father, a
result that his brother could not reverse however much he
pleaded with his father (Genesis 27:37; Hebrews 12:16-17).
It is amazing why we let ourselves be bothered by the
successes of those who seem to have gone ahead of us. I will
never forget the remarkable visit of the international
ministry of Joyce Meyer to our nation two years ago. It had a
lasting impact on so many others and me. Our nation will
remain forever grateful for her commitment and excellent
delivery of God’s word. Among her team was Pastor
Muthoni of Kenya who taught on the incredible testimony of
Joseph in prison. He told us how at one time in his life he
complained to God concerning why his breakthroughs were
delaying while those of some newcomers in the Kingdom
seemed to be popping like corn. God asked him to look at
Genesis 40:11 for the answer. Naturally, the reference did
not make any sense to him for it reads, “I was holding the
cup of Pharaoh.” However, God proceeded to ask him
whether he preferred to hold the cup of Pharaoh or the
nation of Pharaoh. Holding the cup of Pharaoh needed only
three days in prison as it was for the butler referred to in the
story, while holding the nation of Pharaoh would take
longer as was the case with Joseph. The profound lesson was
that big breakthroughs take longer to materialize than small
ones; the bigger the reward, the higher the price. But it does also
demonstrate how the last can eventually be the first.
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asked him, “If you cannot walk with footmen how can you
race with horsemen” (Jeremiah 12:5). In essence, God was
questioning whether the prophet had enough nerve to pay
the price for a greater breakthrough than the wicked of his
times. God was asking whether the prophet had it in him to
endure till he witnesses a mightier blessing for those who
pay a higher price. The point is that the winner of a long
haul or great reward must never lose the will to win simply
because at some point he/she appears to be losing. Rather
than quitting, one may need to evaluate the participants in
the struggle or ones so-called competitor. You may find that
while you are on a long distance haul you are evaluating
yourself with someone in a short sprint race. A fate,
unfortunately, many in God’s Kingdom find themselves in.
We need to know that we are in a different league from the
one of this world. The Apostle Paul advised that we do not
conform to the standards of this world (Romans 12:2). We
are not running the same race and must not measure
ourselves with the same standards: While they are keen to
make it here, we should be setting our eyes up there
(Hebrews 12:2). Their ultimate ambition may be to please
themselves, ours is to please our Father and His Christ
(Galatians 1:10). They are in a short sprint; we are in for a
very long haul. So if we find ourselves every so often
seemingly behind we should not get into a panic. In reality,
we are really way ahead. For in the end, all our desires will
pass away and it is only the will of God that will remain (1
John 2:17). To be sure, we ought to know that we will always
win for whatever is born of God overcomes the world (1
John 5:4).
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So often, the Master sought to clarify on this issue. In His
opinion, going ahead was not as important as finishing ahead.
This was the important lesson He sought to make in His
parable of the workers in the vineyard that received the
same reward at the end of a day’s labor irrespective of the
time they came. Consequently, He rebuked them whenever
they jostled for positions and assumed primary importance
over others. It was also the value coded in the advice not to
assume senior places when invited in a party and risk
embarrassment but to take the humble place and be
eventually lifted (Luke 14:8-10). The philosopher of the book
of Ecclesiastes echoes the same lessons when he advises:
WINNING IN LOVE
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in His mission. In all instances, He clearly illustrated that
rather than privilege the believer’s race was premised on
service (Matthew 20:26-28). Any believer that claims
leadership or seniority must be the one that is in fact the
least. He/she must be a servant of others. Consequently, if a
believer seeks to be ahead of others He/she should be one
that is willing to serve all the others. In this regard, it
becomes difficult for one to be envious or offended by ones
success. It is indeed a tall order for one to be offended when
being served. Similarly, as believers we should seek to serve
even those offended by us and those ahead of us.
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fulfilling the divine will of the Father and therefore a
welcome partner in accomplishing the mission (Mark 9:38-
41). Believers should not compete as much as they should
compliment and support one another as we all seek to
glorify God. As such, all believers have the same goal – that is to
glorify God – and to be against a believer is to fight that goal.
Fortunately, Jesus actually premised the identity of those
who belong to Him on a cardinal principle that thoroughly
eliminates competition – that we love one another (John
15:12). Winning in love is the surest way to total victory.
In this regard, we all must assume the same attitude that
Paul had thinking only of those things that are noble, right,
pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praise worthy (Philippians
4:8). If we can forget those things that lie behind us and
focus not on those against us or even for us, but on those
things which lie ahead, then we will surely win our crown
(Philippians 3:13). No price is too high for victory if the
attitude is right. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8).
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increased as the word of God predicted, however, like
Solomon, the search for success and a sure methodology for
victory has instead brought them much sorrow and grief
(Daniel 11:45; Ecclesiastes 1:18). Sadder, are those who
should have known better. It is quite disenchanting that
many believers have fallen prey to these modern seductive
trappings of mere men. Reluctant to find the truth in God’s
word they have forsaken their glory for lying vanities (Jeremiah
2:11). But again, we must admit that Solomon could not have
been more perceptive when he observed that though times
change people remain the same (Ecclesiastes 3:15). Like the
scribes and Pharisees who sought success in the days our
Savior was among men, they have pursued everything else
and ignored the corner stone (Matthew 21:42).
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